Operations Manager

ZipRecruiter; Poole; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering and inspection services company is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee daily operations at its Poole site. This hands-on leadership role requires a background in precision engineering or inspection, managing resources, and ensuring high standards of safety and quality.

Qualifications

• Experience managing teams in a technical, production, or inspection setting.
• Client-facing with strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Project management and continuous improvement experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage site activity, production schedules, and staffing.
• Uphold Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality (HSEQ) standards.
• Drive profitability and manage budgets.

Skills

Communication

Problem Solving

Team Management

Continuous Improvement

Education

Engineering or Inspection Background

Job description

Job Description

Operations Manager – Engineering & Inspection Services
Poole, UK
£50,000 – £55,000 + Car Allowance + Benefits

A leading engineering and inspection services company is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee daily operations at its Poole site. This is a hands-on leadership role ideal for someone with a background in precision engineering, inspection, or NDT, who can manage resources, lead people, and uphold high standards of safety, quality, and delivery.

Responsibilities

1. Operations

• Manage site activity, production schedules, and staffing
• Maintain training records and resolve HR issues
• Track and report on KPIs across safety, quality, delivery, and cost
• Liaise with external suppliers and service providers
• Maintain TPM and calibration schedules

Leadership

• Uphold Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality (HSEQ) standards
• Lead and support Team Leaders
• Oversee hiring, appraisals, training, and succession planning
• Ensure collaboration across multiple UK sites

Quality

• Work with the Quality Manager to improve systems and compliance
• Identify and resolve non-conformances
• Support internal and external audits

Client Management

• Liaise with clients to ensure delivery and quality expectations are met
• Attend meetings related to operations, quality, and fabrication
• Ensure clear and timely communication with customers

Financial Oversight

• Drive profitability and manage budgets
• Approve spending and authorize invoices as required

Technical Support

• Stay informed on new technologies and NDT methods
• Support development and implementation of UT, VT, PT, RT practices

Candidate Profile

Essential

• Experience managing teams in a technical, production, or inspection setting
• Client-facing with strong communication and problem-solving skills
• Engineering or inspection background (ideally to ASME standards)
• Project management and continuous improvement experience

Desirable

• PCN Level 2 or 3 Radiographic Testing (including lapsed certs)
• Radiation safety experience
• Strong knowledge of NDT standards and methods