Operations Manager

Blair West; Greater Lincolnshire; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking an Operations Manager for a manufacturing client in Greater Lincolnshire. This pivotal role combines operational leadership with strategic implementation aimed at optimizing efficiency while managing commercial finances. The ideal candidate will have a strong manufacturing background, experience with Lean and Six Sigma, and the foresight to evolve into a Managing Director role. A competitive salary and significant autonomy are part of the offering.

Benefits

Competitive salary depending on experience

Structured pathway to Managing Director

Significant autonomy in operations

Mentorship from current owners

Qualifications

• Strong experience as an Operations Manager or General Manager in manufacturing.
• Execution along the team rather than managing solely from a desk.
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies to drive efficiency.
• Experience in managing P&Ls and operational finance.
• Exposure to Private Equity-backed businesses is advantageous.
• Ability to balance operational details with commercial decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations and ensure targets are met.
• Identify and implement best practices for process improvement.
• Participate in commercial and financial decision-making.
• Transition site from reactive environment to proactive data-led operation.
• Prepare for a pathway to Managing Director over 3 years.

Skills

Operations Management

Lean methodologies

Six Sigma methodologies

P&L Management

Team Leadership

Job description

The opportunity

Blair West are supporting Porcher Abrasive Coatings Ltd, to find an Operations Manager. Porcher is a specialized, PE-backed manufacturing business seeking a hands‑on leader to professionalise their site operations and drive efficiency. This is a newly created, senior role reporting directly to the Managing Director, combining immediate operational leadership with a clear pathway to future business leadership.

• Operational Leadership : You will take full control of day‑to‑day manufacturing operations, leading the team on the shop floor to ensure targets are met.
• Process Improvement : You will identify “what works and what doesn’t,” implementing structure, best practices, and continuous improvement (Lean / Six Sigma) to optimise output.
• Commercial & Financial Involvement : Beyond production, you will also be involved in commercial and financial decision‑making.
• Strategic Implementation : You will professionalise the site, moving from a reactive environment to a proactive, data‑led operation.
• Succession Pathway : While the focus is operations, this role is designed to transition into the Managing Director position over a 3‑year timeline.

Qualifications

You’ll be the ideal candidate for this position if you have :

• Strong experience as an Operations Manager or General Manager within a manufacturing environment.
• A “shop floor first” mentality; you are a leader who executes alongside the team rather than managing solely from a desk.
• Demonstrable knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies to drive efficiency.
• Experience managing P&Ls, budgets, and operational finance.
• Exposure to Private Equity‑backed businesses (highly advantageous).
• The ability to balance technical operational detail with commercial decision‑making.

The benefits

• A competitive salary dependent on experience
• A genuine, structured route to Managing Director.
• Significant autonomy to shape the operational strategy of the site.
• Mentorship from the current owners to support your transition into senior leadership.

Our commitment

Blair West is an equal‑opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and inclusion at every stage of the recruitment process. We are committed to fairness, equality, and ongoing diversity training for our team to give our candidates and clients a feeling of belonging during their experience with us. Please speak to their consultant if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during their experience with us.