Operations Manager

Owen Daniels; Northampton; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus up to 10%

Pension matching up to 10%

Private medical scheme

Income protection

Death in service

35 days annual leave

Job summary

Owen Daniels is recruiting an experienced Operations Manager for a world-class precision manufacturing environment in Northampton. You will lead all site operations, balancing hands-on decision making with long-term strategic planning to optimise quality, delivery and cost.

The role requires strong CNC/manufacturing understanding, a track record in regulated engineering sectors, and a proven ability to drive cross-functional teams and continuous improvement programs within a growing, financially

Qualifications

• Proven leadership of large operational teams in a precision engineering environment.
• Strong Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement background.
• Experience with budgeting, cost control and P&L in a plant setting.
• Experience implementing ISO9001, AS9100 and health & safety requirements.
• Ability to develop and execute long-term operational strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead all operational activities across manufacturing and engineering site.
• Drive Lean initiatives to improve efficiency, quality and delivery.
• Oversee planning, purchasing, manufacturing integration and scheduling.
• Manage KPIs, budgets and P&L responsibilities for site operations.
• Support new product introduction and engineering changes.
• Ensure compliance with ISO9001, AS9100 and H&S standards.
• Enhance quality, efficiency and process optimisation across the facility.
• Support long-term growth and capability development.

Skills

Leadership

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma/Operational Excellence

P&L Responsibility

Strategic Planning

Job description

An established and highly respected engineering business is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead and optimise operations within a world‑class precision manufacturing environment. The company specialises in the design, development, simulation and manufacture of high‑performance powertrain systems, electronics and advanced engineering solutions for motorsport, automotive and marine applications. With an international reputation for technical excellence, they support elite‑level racing programmes and cutting‑edge engineering projects. This is a senior leadership role reporting directly to the Managing Director, offering the opportunity to play a key part in shaping operational strategy within a growing, financially stable organisation known for its collaborative and supportive culture.

Operations Manager Permanent

Monday to Thursday: 8:00am – 5:00pm, Friday: 8:00am – 4:00pm

Very Competitive Salary.

Bonus Northampton

The Role

You will lead all operational activities across the manufacturing and engineering facility, ensuring efficiency, quality, delivery and continuous improvement across multiple departments. The role requires a strategic operational leader who can balance hands‑on decision‑making with long‑term planning in a highly regulated precision engineering environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading and developing cross‑functional operational teams
• Driving Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
• Overseeing planning, purchasing, manufacturing and operational integration
• Managing operational KPIs, budgets and P&L responsibilities
• Supporting new product introduction and engineering change implementation
• Ensuring compliance with ISO9001, AS9100 and H&S requirements
• Driving quality, efficiency and process optimisation across the facility
• Supporting long‑term operational growth and capability development

Essential Experience / Skills / Qualifications

• Strong technical understanding of CNC machining and precision manufacturing
• Experience in Motorsport, Formula One, Aerospace, High Performance Automotive or Advanced Precision Manufacturing
• Experience within highly regulated engineering environments
• Strong commercial awareness with P&L responsibility
• Proven leadership experience managing sizeable operational teams
• Strong understanding of planning, purchasing and manufacturing integration
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma or operational excellence frameworks
• Experience managing new product introduction and engineering changes into production
• A collaborative, resilient and adaptable leadership style

Company Benefits

• Bonus scheme typically up to 10%
• Up to 10% matched pension
• Private medical scheme
• Income protection
• Death in service
• 35 days annual leave including bank holidays
• Company-wide team events
• Stable, growing business with long‑term investment and growth plans

This is a fully site‑based role.