Operations Manager

Kenton Black; Stafford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the chemical manufacturing sector is looking for a strategic Operations Manager to oversee multi-site production operations in the UK and Southern Italy. This role will involve driving efficiency, ensuring quality compliance, and spearheading continuous improvement initiatives across the facilities. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in production management and a degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in Chemical Engineering or related discipline.
• Proven experience in production management as plant or product line manager.
• Strong leadership, communication, and hands-on problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations across both production sites.
• Drive improvements in productivity and process control.
• Ensure compliance with ISO standards and lead digital transformation.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Analytical abilities

Documentation proficiency

Education

Degree in Chemical Engineering

Equivalent qualification in related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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Operations Manager – Production Sites (Stoke & Southern Italy)
Location: Stoke-on-Trent, UK, with regular travel to Southern Italy
Industry: Chemical Manufacturing
Reports to: Managing Director
Travel: 70/30 in favour of Stoke

Are you a strategic, hands-on leader ready to take charge of multi-site production operations across the UK and Italy? Join our growing company as an Operations Manager, where you will oversee manufacturing processes, drive efficiency, champion quality, and spearhead continuous improvement across our two key production facilities.

Key Responsibilities:
•Manage day-to-day operations across both sites, ensuring peak plant performance.
• Facilitate cross-site collaboration and technical best practice sharing.
• Drive improvements in productivity, process control, and preventative maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with ISO standards (9001, 14001, 50001, 45001).
• Lead digital transformation in documentation and quality monitoring.
• Oversee CAPEX projects, expansions, and integration of new technologies.
• Act as a key point of contact for production issues, equipment breakdowns, and general plant troubleshooting.
• Support budgeting, cost control, and inventory management in alignment with Finance and Sales.

Requirements:
• Degree or equivalent in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Proven experience in production management (preferably as a plant or product line manager).
• Strong leadership, communication, and hands-on problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; good documentation and analytical abilities.
• Familiarity with ISO accreditation systems and a strong safety-first mindset.
• Flexibility to travel and work varied hours when required.
• Language: English essential; Italian highly desirable.