Operations Manager

White Label Recruitment Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialized manufacturing firm in Manchester is seeking an experienced Operations Manager. The role entails leading operations across three business units and improving efficiencies. Ideal candidates should have 10+ years in manufacturing, with proven leadership skills. The company offers competitive remuneration, family healthcare, and generous holiday allowance. This is an exceptional opportunity to influence the future of a well-established business with global reach.

Benefits

Family private healthcare

25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays

pension plan

Enhanced maternity / paternity pay

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• 10+ years in manufacturing or industrial operations.
• At least 5 years in senior leadership.
• Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead operations across three business units.
• Oversee production, maintenance, quality, logistics and safety.
• Develop ERP capability and drive automation.

Skills

10+ years in manufacturing or industrial operations

Proven success improving performance across safety, cost, quality, delivery

Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills

Solid background in Lean, Six Sigma and continuous improvement

Comfortable with ERP (SAP, Syteline)

Education

Degree in Engineering, Operations or related field

Tools

SAP

Syteline

Job description

Job Title : Operations Manager.

Salary : Competitive.

Location :

Trafford Park, Manchester.

On-site, with secure parking and EV charging provided.

Join a World-Leading Manufacturer Supplying into Energy, Defence and Scientific Industries

The company is an independent, Manchester-based manufacturer of specialist materials used across energy, aerospace, research and engineering projects.

With a 30+ year track record of exporting to 65+ countries, they are a stable, growing business with a strong technical heritage and a people-first culture. Staff retention is exceptional—many examples of people being there 20+ years.

They’re now looking for an experienced Operations Manager to help them scale further, improve coordination between key business units, and modernise operational processes for continued long‑term success.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead operations across three business units.
• Oversee production, maintenance, quality, logistics and safety for 35+ manufacturing staff.
• Manage planning and scheduling to meet customer delivery timelines.
• Develop ERP capability, drive automation of both physical and digital processes.
• Improve cost, quality, delivery and equipment uptime using modern manufacturing practices.
• Develop and manage plant budgets and control operational costs.
• Ensure full compliance with HSE and ISO standards.
• Build a high‑performing team with a strong focus on training and development.
• Report directly to the Ops Director and act as a bridge between site and corporate strategy.

What We’re Looking For

• 10+ years in manufacturing or industrial operations.
• At least 5 years in senior leadership.
• Proven success improving performance across safety, cost, quality, delivery.
• Strong leadership and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Solid background in Lean, Six Sigma and continuous improvement.
• Comfortable with ERP (SAP, Syteline) and data analysis tools.
• Degree in Engineering, Operations or related field preferred but not essential.

Why Join?

• Family private healthcare.
• 25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays.
• Buy / sell up to 5 days holiday.
• Scottish Widows pension.
• Up to 30 weeks sick pay.
• Life assurance – 4x salary.
• Enhanced maternity / paternity pay (after 2 years).
• Cycle to Work scheme, EAP and occupational health support.
• Free on‑site parking, EV charging, and refreshments.

This is a rare chance to influence the next phase of a well‑established business with global reach. If you’re looking to leave a legacy, not just do a job—this is the opportunity.

If you have any questions please still submit an application – I will reach out to you and set up an initial call to go into more detail with you about the role, business and culture.

Neil