Operations Manager

Chess Dynamics Ltd; Horsham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Chess Dynamics Ltd is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day IPT operations, ensuring cost-efficient, safe and high-quality delivery. You will bridge IPT teams with manufacturing and delivery, driving continuous improvement and aligning demand and supply while meeting service levels and safety targets.

The role emphasizes leadership of matrix teams, adherence to policies, and collaboration with Engineering, Supply Chain, and Quality to optimise workflows and capacity planning in a

Qualifications

• Proven experience in matrix operations management within manufacturing or similar environments.
• Strong understanding of operational processes, workflow optimisation and performance management.
• Experience with continuous improvement tools (Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma).
• Competence in data analysis, reporting, and KPI management.
• Engineering/manufacturing degree or equivalent experience in a complex manufacturing environment.
• Experience with MRP/ERP systems and MS Office suite.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations to ensure consistent product delivery and demand-supply alignment.
• Monitor KPIs and drive actions to improve productivity, quality and efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with policies, standards and regulatory requirements.
• Own make-or-buy decisions with inputs from Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing and Industrialisation Engineering.
• Manage planning, scheduling and resource requirements; foster safe, high-performance teams.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to support launches and strategic planning.
• Resolve escalated issues to meet service levels and customer expectations.

Skills

Matrix operations management

Operations performance management

Continuous improvement (Lean, Kaizen,

Education

Engineering/manufacturing degree or equivalent

Tools

MRP/ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Purpose of the Role

The Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring the smooth, efficient, and cost‑effective running of day‑to‑day for key IPT (Integrated Portfolio Management) operations. This role oversees people, processes, performance and continuous improvement across the operational function. The Operations Manager acts as the bridge between IPT teams and manufacturing and delivery. Contributes to IPT’s strategy and then leads the execution, ensuring that service levels, productivity, quality, and safety targets are consistently met. Ensures the health and safety of employees and visitors through appropriate processes and procedures and adhering to relevant health and safety legal requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead daily operations to ensure consistent delivery of products and to fully own and be responsible for Demand& Supply alignment, together with proactive management of both opportunities and risks
• Monitor performance metrics (KPIs) and drive actions to improve productivity, quality, and efficiency
• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements
• Have full ownership of “make-or-buy” decisions but with collaborative inputs from Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing and Industrialisation Engineering

People Management

• Operating in matrix structure, manages (indirect management), coach, and develop operational teams to achieve high performance
• Oversees planning, scheduling and resource requirements
• Promotes a positive, safe, and accountable workplace culture reviewing and managing the performance of the Operations team through regular appraisals and coaching – Engages with Operational Excellence Manager to provide inputs for continues improvements and performance managements needs including identification and coordination of team development and training needs

Process & Performance Improvement

• Identifies operational bottlenecks and works with Operational Excellence Manager to implement solutions to optimise workflow.
• Ensures continuous improvement initiatives are being implemented using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
• Ensures Standardise processes and documentation (SOPs, work instructions) are up to date.
• Be the approver authority for Industrialisation Engineering sub-level reviews covering DFM, DFA and DFL

Financial & Resource Management

• Manages operational costs and takes necessary actions to meet planned targets. Also manages resource utilisation in line with budgetary plans.
• Support forecasting, capacity planning and operational cost‑saving initiatives.
• Ensure assets, equipment and facilities are maintained and fully operational in conjunction with Operational Excellence Manager (who is fully responsible to ensure compliance management).
• Develop and implement plans and processes to minimize manufacturing costs through effective utilisation of manpower, equipment, facilities, materials and capital
• Generation of capacity plans for the IPT and engages with Operational Excellence Manager to align such needs

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with IPT lead, Finance, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Manufacturing, Industrialisation Engineering and other departments to support business goals.
• Support new product or service launches from an operational readiness perspective
• Provide operational insights to leadership for strategic planning.

Customer & Stakeholder Management

• Ensure service levels and customer expectations are consistently met or exceeded.
• Resolve escalated operational issues quickly and effectively.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Supports the IPT lead with customers collaborations, engagements and planning

Required Skills & Experience

Technical & Professional

• Proven experience in matrix operations management within manufacturing, or similar environments.
• Strong understanding of operational processes, workflow optimisation, and performance management.
• Experience with continuous improvement tools (Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma).
• Competence in data analysis, reporting, and KPI management.
• Relevant engineering/manufacturing degree or equivalent experience gained in a complex manufacturing environment
• Be experienced in the use of MRP/ERP systems
• Comprehensive use of the Microsoft office suite of applications

Security Clearance Requirements

Due to the nature of our business, our staff need to be able to obtain UK Security Clearance as a mandated requirement. Therefore, you will need to provide proof of identity, employment history and right to work in the UK, along with proof of UK residency for at least five years