Operations Manager

Prodrive; Newport; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive solutions provider based in Newport is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee daily production operations. The role involves team leadership, maintaining quality and efficiency, and driving continuous improvement. Ideal candidates have a track record in manufacturing and strong skills in production planning and lean methodologies. The role requires close collaboration with operational teams to ensure outstanding performance and adherence to safety standards. A degree in Engineering or related fields is preferable, alongside experience with MRP systems.

Benefits

Inclusive workplace

Professional development opportunities

Positive work culture

Qualifications

• Proven track record in leading manufacturing or engineering teams.
• Experience in production planning and workflow optimization.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the production facility.
• Lead, coach, and motivate a team of 40.
• Monitor production KPIs and take necessary actions.

Skills

Leadership

Team Management

Production Planning

Lean Manufacturing

Communication

Education

Degree in Engineering or Operations Management

Tools

MRP/ERP Systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

HCI Systems, established in 2012 and now part of the Prodrive group of companies, is one of the leading providers of high-quality electrical wiring solutions. Supporting customers in various sectors from Marine, Defence, AgriTech to a core business around Motorsport & Automotive, supplying multiple high level racing series and high specification automotive style projects.

Based in Newport, Shropshire, HCI Systems Limited have grown rapidly in recent years to become leaders in vehicle electrical systems and wiring harnesses. The company has an enviable reputation based on high quality wiring harness design and manufacture for low voltage and electric vehicles as well as providing complimentary technologies such as power management systems, switch panels and bespoke electronics systems working to customer specifications.

Our world-class team has over 30 years of experience designing and manufacturing wiring looms.

For further details about HCI Systems, please visit our website: https://hci-s.com/

Background to the Role

The Operations Manager will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the production facility, ensuring that quality, efficiency, and delivery targets are consistently met. A key part of the role is team leadership and people management, fostering a positive and productive workplace culture that empowers technicians to do their best work.

You’ll act as a bridge between senior leadership and the production team, translating business objectives into clear, actionable plans. Your role is pivotal in maintaining high standards, developing talent, and driving continuous improvement across the shop floor.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and motivate a team of 40 across build, supply chain, quality and logistics.
• Conduct regular 1:1s, team briefings, and performance reviews to drive engagement and personal growth.
• Plan, prioritise, and manage daily and weekly production schedules and resources to meet customer deadlines.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and efficient work environment, ensuring compliance with health & safety regulations.
• Collaborate with internal teams to uphold the highest wiring harness standards.
• Identify and implement lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Act as the link between shop floor operations and senior management.
• Communicate capacity, lead times, and potential risks to stakeholders clearly and proactively.
• Monitor production KPIs (output, efficiency, quality, and downtime) and take action to maintain or exceed targets.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of new technicians, ensuring they are quickly integrated into the team.
• Drive a culture of accountability, teamwork, and pride in craftsmanship.
• Work closely with supply chain and procurement to ensure materials availability and minimise production delays.
• Champion process documentation and standardisation to improve consistency and reduce errors.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions when quality or delivery issues arise.
• Encourage staff engagement and innovation by gathering feedback and implementing practical improvements

Who are we looking for?

Our ideal candidate is an experienced Operations or Production Manager with a proven track record of leading teams in a manufacturing or engineering environment — ideally within motorsport, automotive, aerospace, or electronics. You are a people-focused leader who thrives on developing talent, improving processes, and building a positive, high-performance culture. You’ll bring strong experience in production planning, workflow optimisation, and lean manufacturing, with the ability to balance quality, efficiency, and on-time delivery. You’re confident working on the shop floor, building relationships with technicians, and being a visible, approachable presence for your team.

A degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field is desirable, but equivalent hands‑on experience is highly valued. Proficiency with MRP/ERP systems, production KPIs, and Microsoft Office is essential. You’ll be proactive, solutions‑oriented, and able to communicate clearly with stakeholders at every level — from technicians to senior management — keeping everyone aligned and focused on delivering exceptional results.

We are an equal opportunities employer

The Prodrive Group are committed to attracting and nurturing the best talent and creating an inclusive workplace. We value individual differences and diversity amongst all staff so that everyone has the widest opportunities to maximise their potential. We aim to ensure that no job applicant is placed at a disadvantage by practices or requirements which disproportionately impact protected groups and which are not justified by the demands of the job. If you feel you are right for this role, we welcome your application.

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