Operations Manager

SF Recruitment; Willenhall; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic manufacturing firm in the UK is seeking an Operations Manager to define and manage supply chain strategies. This role involves overseeing global suppliers, ensuring part quality, and driving production efficiency. The ideal candidate will have 5-10 years of relevant experience, strong mechanical and electrical knowledge, and the ability to manage complex supply chains. Join this innovative company and help shape its operations.

Qualifications

• 5-10+ years in supply chain or manufacturing.
• Strong mechanical and electrical understanding.
• Experience with Asian/Chinese supply chains.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full supply chain including purchasing.
• Plan inbound freight and manage customs compliance.
• Maintain tight inventory levels and quality standards.

Skills

Supply chain management

Logistics optimization

Inventory control

Quality assurance

Production execution

Problem-solving

Tools

MRP/ERP systems

Job description

SF Recruitment is working with an innovative, award-winning start-up manufacturing business in Birmingham to recruit an operations manager. This newly created role defines the supply chain & operations strategy while managing sub-contract manufacturers to ensure part quality & specification meet required standards.

What You'll Do

• Own the full supply chain: Manage purchasing and relationships across 30+ global suppliers, oversee POs, shipments, payments, and maintain strong supplier performance on cost, quality, and lead times.
• Optimise logistics & cost: Plan inbound freight (sea, air, courier), manage customs/import compliance, and ensure parts arrive on time at our UK contract manufacturer.
• Keep inventory tight & accurate: Run stock control systems (ERP/MRP), track consumption and rejects, and maintain clean, reliable inventory levels across suppliers and production.
• Lead quality across the board: Verify part quality, implement QC/QA checkpoints, manage NCRs, and ensure every unit meets safety and performance standards.
• Control the BOM: Keep the Bill of Materials accurate, up to date, and aligned with engineering changes—ensuring production always builds from the latest revision.
• Drive production execution: Act as the main operations owner for our contract manufacturer. Improve processes, reduce bottlenecks, boost yields, and ensure we hit production targets.
• Run engineering changes: Own the lifecycle of ECRs, propagate updates through suppliers and production, and track impact on cost, lead time, and stock.
• Solve real problems, fast: Help diagnose issues across mechanical, electrical, PCBA, and assembly systems, working with engineering and suppliers to implement durable fixes.

What You Bring

• 5-10+ years in supply chain, hardware operations, production engineering, or manufacturing (consumer electronics or startup experience ideal).
• Strong mechanical and electrical understanding—comfortable with machining, tolerances, PCBs, wiring, assemblies, and DFM/DFA.
• Experience working with Asian/Chinese supply chains and contract manufacturers.
• Skilled in MRP/ERP systems, BOM management, vendor negotiation, and scaling production from prototype to mass manufacturing.
• Highly organised, detail-obsessed, strong communicator, and calm under pressure.
• A true hands‑on, ownership‑driven, startup operator.