Operations Manager

Holt Engineering Recruitment Ltd; Horsham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Holt Engineering Recruitment Ltd in Horsham is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead daily manufacturing and operational processes within a growing engineering environment.

You will collaborate with Programme Management, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance, and Manufacturing to meet customer requirements and business objectives. The role emphasizes Lean/continuous improvement, data-driven KPI management, and a hands-on leadership style in a complex manufacturing setting.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of operational processes, workflow optimisation, and performance management.
• Experience using Lean, Kaizen, or Six Sigma.
• Competence in data analysis, reporting, and KPI management.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations to meet lead times, costs, and quality targets.
• Create capacity and resource plans for people, materials, space, and equipment.
• Collaborate with Programme Management, Engineering, and Supply Chain to support objectives.
• Monitor KPIs and drive actions to improve productivity, quality, efficiency, and delivery.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement solutions to improve utilisation and throughput.
• Support team development, performance management, and training needs.
• Ensure assets and facilities are maintained and safe.

Skills

Operational excellence

Continuous improvement

Data analysis & KPI reporting

Education

Engineering or manufacturing degree

Tools

MRP/ERP systems

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Operations Manager to join a growing manufacturing and engineering organisation in Horsham.

The Operations Manager will be responsible for the planning, coordination, and control of manufacturing and operational processes within their programme scope. You will lead daily operations, ensuring productivity, quality, safety, delivery, and cost targets are consistently achieved.

This is a hands‑on leadership role, working closely with Programme Management, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance, Manufacturing, and Industrialisation Engineering teams to support business objectives and deliver excellent customer outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations to ensure consistent delivery of products, spares, and repairs in line with agreed lead times and costs.
• Generate capacity and resource plans covering people, materials, space, and equipment.
• Work with the Operational Excellence Manager to develop resource plans and support continuous improvement.
• Monitor operational KPIs and drive actions to improve productivity, quality, efficiency, and delivery performance.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and implement solutions to improve utilisation, throughput, and quality.
• Support team development, performance management, and training requirements.
• Ensure assets, equipment, and facilities are maintained and fully operational.
• Maintain high standards of health and safety for employees and visitors.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Work closely with Programme Management, Finance, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Manufacturing, and Industrialisation Engineering.
• Provide operational insight to senior leadership to support strategic planning.
• Ensure customer expectations and service levels are consistently met or exceeded.
• Resolve escalated operational issues quickly and effectively.
• Support customer collaboration, engagement, and planning alongside the Programme Lead.

Skills and Experience

• Strong understanding of operational processes, workflow optimisation, and performance management.
• Experience using continuous improvement tools such as Lean, Kaizen, or Six Sigma.
• Competence in data analysis, reporting, and KPI management.
• Engineering or manufacturing degree, or equivalent experience gained within a complex manufacturing environment.
• Experience using MRP or ERP systems.