Operations Manager

Pearson Whiffin Accounts & Finance; Maidstone; On-site; CAD 62,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company benefits

Overtime pay

Job summary

Pearson Whiffin Recruitment is supporting an international manufacturing business in Maidstone to appoint an Operations Manager who will own a Maidstone-based facility. You will lead manufacturing, planning and improvement efforts, manage the team on the factory floor, and collaborate with UK/European stakeholders to drive efficiency, safety and commercial success.

Qualifications

• Experience in an Operations or Production Management role within Manufacturing.
• Reading and interpreting technical drawings.
• Strong people-management and leadership capability; lead by example and gain buy-in from team.
• Continuous improvement mindset with practical, solutions-led approach.
• Experience with ISO 9001, Lean methodologies or CAD systems advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Day-to-day leadership of manufacturing, fabrication, packing and dispatch.
• Production planning, capacity management and labour utilisation.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement practical process improvements.
• Lead, develop and motivate multi-skilled teams.
• Support recruitment, onboarding and training.
• Drive Lean thinking and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage UK purchasing and supplier relationships.
• Improve cost control, stock management and supply resilience.
• Maintain quality standards and support ISO-aligned systems.
• Ensure health & safety compliance across operations.
• Collaborate with commercial teams and European HQ.

Skills

People management

Operations management

Lean manufacturing

Continuous improvement

Cross-functional collaboration

Reading technical drawings

Education

Engineering background

Tools

CAD systems

Job description

Operations Manager – Manufacturing

Maidstone (5 days on site)

Full Time, Permanent

Pearson Whiffin Recruitment is supporting a well-established, international manufacturing business in the appointment of an Operations Manager to take ownership of a Maidstone-based manufacturing facility.

This is a pivotal leadership role, sitting at the centre of production, people and process. You’ll be responsible for ensuring the factory operates efficiently, safely and commercially, while driving continuous improvement and building a high-performing, engaged team.

The role

Working closely with senior stakeholders in the UK and Europe, the Operations Manager will oversee end-to-end manufacturing activity. You’ll play a hands‑on role in improving workflows, planning and efficiency, while maintaining a strong presence on the factory floor.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Day‑to‑day leadership of manufacturing, fabrication, packing and dispatch
• Production planning, capacity management and labour utilisation
• Identifying bottlenecks and implementing practical process improvements
• Leading, developing and motivating multi‑skilled teams
• Supporting recruitment, onboarding and training
• Driving Lean thinking and continuous improvement initiatives
• Managing UK purchasing and supplier relationships
• Improving cost control, stock management and supply resilience
• Maintaining quality standards and supporting ISO‑aligned systems
• Ensuring health & safety compliance across operations
• Working closely with commercial teams and European HQ

Essential requirements include:

• Proven experience in an Operations or Production Management role within Manufacturing
• A technical or engineering background
• Experience within fabrication, sheet metal or similar manufacturing environments
• The ability to read and interpret technical drawings
• Strong people‑management and leadership capability; this role requires a manager who leads by example and can cultivate ‘buy in’ from an established team
• Solid understanding of production planning and operational efficiency
• A continuous improvement mindset with a practical, solutions‑led approach
• Confidence working cross‑functionally with international stakeholders
• Experience with ISO 9001, Lean methodologies or CAD systems would be advantageous, but not essential.

Why apply?

• A key leadership role within a stable, growing manufacturing business
• Genuine opportunity to influence and improve UK operations
• Exposure to international collaboration and best practice
• A supportive, professional environment with scope for progression

Up to £34295.04 per annum + Company Benefits and Overtime

Salary of £33,733 per annum dependent on experience