Operations Manager - Fabrication

Oldham Engineering Limited; Oldham; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Oldham Engineering Limited in Oldham seeks an experienced Operations Manager to lead the fabrication area, ensuring safe, on-time delivery within budget and to quality standards. You will drive process improvements, resource planning, and cross-functional alignment, with a focus on performance, cost control and developing the fabrication team.

This is a hands-on leadership role in a well-established UK engineering business with ISO9001 and Investors in People credentials.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years' experience within fabrication, heavy engineering or similar operational environment.
• Operational management experience overseeing workshop-based activity and improving performance.
• Strong understanding of fabrication processes, welding, materials, drawings and inspections.
• Proven leadership to support, influence and develop managers and teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction for the fabrication area, ensuring activity aligns with objectives, budget, quality and delivery.
• Work with the Fabrication Manager to review performance, priorities, labour planning and material flow.
• Support the Fabrication Manager in resolving operational issues and ensuring planned delivery.
• Coordinate with other departments and senior management to align fabrication activities.
• Monitor performance – output, efficiency, quality, safety, rework, labour and delivery; recommend improvements.
• Control and monitor costs in fabrication; seek productivity gains and waste reduction.
• Ensure fabrication standards, welding procedures, work instructions and inspection processes are followed.
• Drive continuous improvement across fabrication processes, workflow and housekeeping.
• Support development of the Fabrication Manager and team, promoting accountability and good communication.
• Support HSQE in maintaining a safety-first culture and compliance with policy and law.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Process improvement

Strategic planning

Team development

Cost control

Job description

Job Title

Operations Manager

Location

Oldham

Salary

Competitive

Job Type

Full time, Permanent

About The Company

Oldham Engineering Limited is a well-established medium sized engineering business with a long history and exciting plans for business growth.

Operating from it's UK manufacturing sites in Oldham and Sheffield, the company has premium engineering facilities totalling over 150,000 sqft. The business is ISO9001 certified and holds the 'Investors in People' accolade.

This is a unique opportunity to join an established and highly regarded engineering business.

About The Role

The main purpose of the role is to provide broader leadership and direction across the fabrication area of the business, to ensure work is delivered safely, efficiently, on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This role will focus on operational performance, process improvement, resource planning, cross-functional alignment, and the continued development of the fabrication function.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction for the fabrication area, ensuring activity is aligned with wider business objectives, budget, quality standards, and customer delivery requirements.


• Work closely with the Fabrication Manager to review performance, workload priorities, labour planning, material flow, and effective use of equipment and resources.


• Support the Fabrication Manager in resolving operational issues, removing barriers, and ensuring fabrication work is planned, controlled, and delivered effectively.


• Work with other departments, and senior management teams to ensure fabrication activity is coordinated and aligned across the business.


• Monitor performance, including output, efficiency, quality, safety, rework, labour utilisation, and delivery performance, providing regular updates and improvement recommendations.


• Control and monitor costs within the fabrication area, identifying opportunities to improve productivity, reduce waste, and use resources effectively.


• Ensure fabrication standards, quality requirements, welding procedures, work instructions, and inspection processes are followed consistently through appropriate management and support of the fabrication team.


• Drive continuous improvement across fabrication processes, workflow, housekeeping, communication, and team performance.


• Support the development of the Fabrication Manager, supervisors, and wider fabrication team, promoting accountability, effective communication, and a positive working environment.


• Support the HSQE team in maintaining a safety-first culture and ensuring fabrication activities comply with company procedures and current legislation.Health & Safety: It is your responsibility to work in a safe manner to promote personal safety and the safety of others to prevent accidents occurring and report all near misses. Move materials safely and carefully using the correct mechanical lifting method. Use the appropriate PPE and ensure it is in good condition, replace when required. Follow the company's Health & Safety Policy at all times.

About you

Knowledge & Skills Required:

• Minimum of 5 years' experience within a fabrication, heavy engineering, or similar operational environment.


• Experience in an operational management role with responsibility for overseeing workshop-based activity, supporting managers and supervisors, and improving operational performance.


• Strong understanding of fabrication processes, welding, materials, drawings, inspection requirements, workflow, and workshop controls.


• Ability to improve efficiency, reduce costs, strengthen quality, and support wider business improvements.


• Good knowledge of quality systems, production planning, operational controls, and performance measures relevant to fabrication activity.


• Proven leadership and management skills with the ability to support, influence, and develop managers, supervisors, and wider teams.


• Good communication and relationship management skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal departments, customers, and external stakeholders.


• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.


• Results focused, with the ability to plan, prioritise, and deliver against deadlines.

This list is not exhaustive and the job holder will be expected to perform other reasonable tasks in the interest of their role and the Company's performance.

Candidates with the experience or relevant job titles of; Fabrication Business Unit Manager, Senior Operations Manager, Head of Fabrication, Manufacturing Manager (Fabrication), Operations Manager - Heavy Engineering, Workshop Operations Manager, Fabrication Production Manager, Heavy Engineering Operations Lead may also be considered