Operations Manager

Owen Daniels; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading materials processing company in Milton Keynes is seeking an experienced Operations Manager / General Manager to lead a team of around 45 employees. This hands-on role requires strong leadership and accountability for site performance, safety, and commercial delivery. The ideal candidate will have a background in managing manufacturing sites, stability in career history, and a proactive approach to operational efficiency. Offering a competitive salary of £60,000-£70,000 along with benefits including bonus and pension.

Benefits

Annual bonus

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Health cash plan

Car salary sacrifice

Clear progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience managing a manufacturing or materials-based site with 40-100 staff.
• Strong leadership experience with a team of 25+ employees.
• Stable career history with attention to site ownership and operations.

Responsibilities

• Accountable for safety, quality, and delivery performance.
• Lead a multi-shift team ensuring smooth operations.
• Drive health and safety culture while improving engagement.
• Deliver process improvements and manage budget responsibilities.

Skills

Leadership skills

Safety culture management

Operational efficiency

Team development

Commercial awareness

Job description

Operations Manager / General Manager

Location

Milton Keynes

Sector

Materials Processing | Manufacturing

Type

Full-time, On-site

Opportunity

We are recruiting an Operations Manager / Site General Manager to take full ownership of a material processing site in Milton Keynes. This is a hands‑on role leading around 45 employees, with responsibility for site performance, safety, people, and commercial delivery. The site serves aerospace and high‑spec industrial customers and turns over approximately £60m.

This role suits a leader who takes pride in running a well‑managed, high‑performing site.

The role reports to the Operations Director, and you will have real autonomy in a true GM‑style position.

Key responsibilities

• Full accountability for safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people
• Leading and developing a multi‑shift team (40-50 staff)
• Managing Shift Managers, Shift Leaders, and technical specialists
• Driving a strong H&S culture and improving engagement and retention
• Ensuring smooth day‑to‑day operations across production and facilities
• Delivering process improvements and operational efficiencies
• Contributing at Senior Leadership Team level
• Budget and commercial responsibility (P&L exposure desirable)

About you

• Experience running a manufacturing or materials‑based site (40-100 staff)
• Strong people leader with experience managing 25+ staff
• Stable career history with long tenure
• Commercially aware, hands‑on, and confident taking full site ownership

Working Pattern & Benefits

Site‑based role in Milton Keynes.

Flexible day hours supporting a two‑shift operation (6-2 / 2-10).

Early Friday finish.

£60,000-£70,000 salary, annual bonus.

25 days holiday + bank holidays.

Pension, health cash plan, discounts, car salary sacrifice.

Clear progression opportunities.