Operations Manager

Lucid Connect Ltd; Doncaster; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing organization in the UK is searching for a Production & Site Operations Manager to lead operations, oversee multidisciplinary teams, and implement continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in engineering, particularly in plastics extrusion and will manage capital projects while ensuring efficiency, safety standards, and compliance. A hands-on leader with experience in developing teams and budget management is essential. This role offers the opportunity for impactful contributions in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in engineering and operational leadership roles within manufacturing.
• Strong mechanical and electrical engineering knowledge.
• Experience in managing Capex projects.
• Familiarity with regulated manufacturing environments.
• Ability to develop and deliver training programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead operations of a busy manufacturing site managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Implement KPI systems and performance monitoring tools.
• Drive recruitment, training, and development of teams.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety regulations.
• Oversee implementation of productivity improvement initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Change Management

LEAN Processes

Budget Management

Education

Qualifications in Engineering, Manufacturing or related discipline

NEBOSH or IOSH certification

Tools

CNC Manufacturing processes

Job description

Lucid Connect have partnered with a well-established manufacturing organisation to recruit a Production & Site Operations Manager to lead and drive performance across both manufacturing and day-to-day site operations. This position is suited to a hands‑on operational leader with a strong background in plastics extrusion, project delivery and operational excellence. The successful candidate will oversee multidisciplinary teams, manage capital investment projects and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, safety and quality standards across the site.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead day-to-day operations of a busy manufacturing site, managing multidisciplinary teams across fabrication, logistics, production, and support functions.
• Support the planning, installation, and commissioning of large-scale Capex projects.
• Drive recruitment, training, and development strategies to build high‑performing teams.
• Collaborate with Head of planners and logistics managers to ensure timely and efficient production schedules.
• Implement and manage robust KPI systems and data‑driven performance monitoring tools.
• Lead continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives to reduce waste and improve plant uptime and efficiency.
• Manage OEE through production efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety regulations from both engineering and operational perspectives.
• Develop and implement structured management systems and training programs.
• Maintain oversight of site operations and manage any remote teams effectively.
• Support new product development (NPD) initiatives and cross‑functional project teams.
• Full accountability for engineering, maintenance, automation, facilities, and toolroom operations.
• Directly manage senior department leaders and a wider team of ~20 staff.
• Lead strategic planning to align production capabilities with future business needs, identifying risks and opportunities.
• Oversee the implementation of TPM/Autonomous Maintenance systems and transition from paper‑based to CMMS platforms.
• Support major Capex projects, including site expansions, new production halls, and equipment installations.
• Lead the installation and commissioning of production lines, which may include injection moulding and extrusion technologies and Buttfusion machines.
• Develop and implement robust PPM and predictive maintenance strategies (e.g., vibration, oil, and thermal analysis).
• Introduce and manage engineering spares systems to mitigate supply chain risks.
• Champion continuous improvement, LEAN manufacturing, and RCA methodologies.
• Support health & safety initiatives and dynamic risk assessments.
• Manage engineering budgets (OPEX) and ensure cost‑effective delivery of projects.
• Build and future‑prove the team through structured training and apprenticeship programs in partnership with AMRC.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Proven experience in engineering and operational leadership roles within manufacturing especially with Plastic Pipe manufacturing.
• Strong mechanical and electrical engineering knowledge and qualifications.
• Demonstrated success in managing Capex projects and implementing lean/WCM practices.
• Experience with CNC manufacturing processes is highly desirable.
• Strong leadership, communication, and change management skills.
• Experience in developing and delivering training programs.
• Budget management experience across both operational and capital expenditure.
• LEAN Processes and Manufacturing.
• Qualifications in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related discipline would beneficial.
• NEBOSH or IOSH certification (or equivalent H&S qualification).
• Experience in regulated or high‑spec manufacturing environments.

If you are available and interested in this opportunity, please apply for further information. Please note due to high volumes of applications we are unable to contact every application. If you do not hear back from us within 7 days of sending your application, please assume that you have not been successful on this occasion.

At Lucid, we celebrate difference and value diverse perspectives, underpinned by our values ‘Honesty, Integrity and Pragmatism’. We are proud to provide equal opportunities in line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy and welcome applications from all suitably qualified or experienced people, regardless of personal characteristics.

If you have a disability or health condition and seek support throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact us via the details below.