Operations Manager

Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd; Penenden Heath; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established recruitment agency is supporting a well-known international manufacturing business by hiring an Operations Manager in Maidstone. The role involves leading manufacturing efficiency, driving continuous improvement, and managing a high-performing team. The ideal candidate has proven operational management experience, a technical background, and strong leadership skills in a manufacturing environment, making this position pivotal for enhancing operations within the facility.

Benefits

Opportunity for progression

Supportive professional environment

Exposure to international collaboration

Qualifications

• Proven experience in an Operations or Production Management role within Manufacturing.
• Technical or engineering background.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings.
• Strong people-management and leadership capability.
• Solid understanding of production planning and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day manufacturing, fabrication, packing and dispatch.
• Oversee production planning and capacity management.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement improvements.
• Support recruitment, onboarding and training.
• Drive Lean thinking and continuous improvement.

Skills

Operations management

Production planning

Leadership capability

Continuous improvement mindset

People management

Tools

ISO 9001

Lean methodologies

CAD systems

Job description

Operations Manager – Manufacturing

Maidstone (5 days on site)

Full Time, Permanent

Contact: Emily – Karabelo Powell or Sammy Messenger, Pearson Whiffin Recruitment

New Year New Role?!

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

• 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

• 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

Interested?

Apply with your up‑to‑date CV including full career and academic background.