Operations Manager

ARCA; West of England; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

ARCA is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead our upholstery and furniture manufacturing operations across the UK. You will oversee factory production, procurement, logistics and installation, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget and to a high standard.

You’ll manage day-to-day operations, set clear priorities for teams and drive practical improvements as the business grows, maintaining a hands-on, collaborative leadership style with a focus on safety and quality.

Qualifications

• Experience leading operations in manufacturing, production or project-led environments.
• Practical understanding of production planning and delivery schedules.
• Strong leadership with ability to motivate and address performance issues.
• Track record of improving processes and solving operational problems.
• Clear communication with colleagues, suppliers and customers.
• Understanding of health and safety in an operational setting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee factory operations, production schedules and project delivery.
• Coordinate procurement, materials, logistics and installation activities.
• Lead and develop operational teams with clear expectations and accountability.
• Monitor workloads, capacity and progress to pre-empt delays.
• Drive process improvements to boost productivity, control costs and quality.
• Track KPIs and report on performance; uphold health and safety standards.

Skills

Production planning

Team leadership

Resource allocation

Operational problem solving

Communication

Health & safety

Job description

ARCA is partnering with a growing manufacturer of bespoke commercial seating to hire an Operations Manager.

Working across hospitality, workplace, retail and commercial interiors, the business delivers projects for customers throughout the UK. They’re looking for an experienced, hands-on operational leader to bring together factory production, procurement, logistics and installation, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget and to a high standard.

The opportunity

You’ll oversee day-to-day operations, giving teams clear priorities and keeping projects moving from production planning through to installation.

This role would suit someone who enjoys being close to the operation: supporting people, resolving problems and making practical improvements as the business grows.

What you’ll be responsible for

• Managing factory operations, production schedules and project delivery.
• Coordinating procurement, materials, logistics and installation activities.
• Leading and developing operational teams, setting clear expectations and accountability.
• Monitoring workloads, capacity and progress to identify and resolve potential delays.
• Improving processes to increase productivity, control costs and maintain quality.
• Tracking operational KPIs and reporting on performance.
• Maintaining health and safety standards and compliance with company procedures.
• Improving communication and coordination between departments.

What we’re looking for

• Experience managing operations and teams within manufacturing, production or a comparable project-led environment.
• A practical understanding of production planning, resource allocation and delivery schedules.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate people and address performance issues constructively.
• A track record of improving processes, solving operational problems and managing competing priorities.
• Clear communication skills and confidence working with colleagues, suppliers and customers.
• An understanding of health and safety in an operational environment.

Experience within upholstery, furniture manufacturing, joinery, fit-out or commercial interiors would be particularly relevant.