Operations MANAGER

Sterling Cross Ltd; Sittingbourne; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturer in the defence and aerospace sector is seeking an Operations Manager to enhance quality and efficiency. The role demands an individual with a strong engineering background and expertise in supply chain management. With a commitment to compliance and operational excellence, you'll implement lean processes and collaborate closely with various teams to drive continuous improvement in a secure environment.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays

Enhanced sick pay

Company pension scheme

Life assurance policy

Death in service benefit – 4x annual salary

Overtime paid up to treble time

Qualifications

• Strong engineering background in regulated production or manufacturing.
• Experience with lean manufacturing tools and ERP systems.
• Eligible for UK security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Manage sales order operations and procurement.
• Oversee compliance with ISO standards and lead lean initiatives.
• Collaborate with teams to enhance productivity and customer satisfaction.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing Tools

ERP Systems

Supply Chain Logistics

Communication Skills

Decision-Making Skills

ESG Best Practices

Job description

OPERATIONS MANAGER – DEFENCE & AEROSPACE MANUFACTURING

Location: Sittingbourne, Kent
Salary: IOR £55,000 p.a.+ Excellent Benefits
Hours: Full-time, Permanent

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A high-impact operations role within a precision engineering environment
• Opportunity for a dynamic Operations Manager to drive quality, efficiency, and compliance within a leading manufacturer supplying the defence, aerospace, and advanced engineering sectors
• Based in Sittingbourne, this role covers sales order fulfilment, supply chain coordination, and lean process improvement
• Suited to individuals with a strong engineering background, an analytical mindset, and experience in regulated manufacturing environments
• Involves regular interaction with both suppliers and customers, requiring occasional travel
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Key Responsibilities
• Oversee end-to-end sales order management, ensuring timely and accurate delivery aligned with customer requirements
• Manage supply chain operations, including procurement, inventory control, supplier performance, and audit readiness
• Support the preparation of tenders and bids, contributing technical insight and commercial awareness for UK and international defence contracts
• Lead lean manufacturing initiatives, streamlining operations and increasing productivity across key departments
• Embed ESG principles into daily operational practice, supporting broader company goals
• Ensure ongoing compliance with industry standards, including ISO 9001:2015, AS9100, and ISO 14001
• Collaborate closely with commercial and manufacturing teams to drive continuous improvement and customer satisfaction
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Candidate Profile

Essential Skills & Experience:
• Strong engineering background within a regulated production or manufacturing environment
• Proficient in lean manufacturing tools, ERP systems, and supply chain logistics
• Working knowledge of ESG best practices
• Confident leader with excellent communication and decision-making skills
• Full UK driving licence
• Must be eligible for UK security clearance

Desirable:
• Experience in defence, aerospace, or advanced engineering sectors
• Familiarity with government procurement and bidding processes
• Understanding of compliance frameworks such as AS9100, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001
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Role Highlights
• Opportunity to contribute to technically complex and critical programmes
• Work in a secure, advanced manufacturing environment alongside highly skilled professionals
• Genuine scope to influence operational direction, improve systems, and lead process transformation
• Involvement in delivering solutions to UK and global defence and aerospace clients
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Company Benefits
• 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Christmas shut down
• Overtime paid up to treble time
• Enhanced sick pay
• Company pension scheme
• Life assurance policy
• Death in service benefit – 4x annual salary

Westin Par values diversity and promotes equality.No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010.
Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies, we are acting as an Employment Agency
Due to the high volume of applicants applying for all roles, we can only reply to candidates with the most relevant skills and experience.If you have not heard back from us within 48 hours of your application, please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.