Operations Manager - Manufacturing

Smartsearch Recruitment Ltd; Wimbledon; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Smartsearch Recruitment Ltd in South London is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead a substantial manufacturing operation, driving improvements in efficiency, productivity and performance.

You will manage production planning, budgets and safety culture, lead senior teams and deliver cost effectiveness through Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives. This permanent, full-time role offers £80-90k plus benefits.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a senior manufacturing or production management position.
• Proven ability to lead substantial operational teams, including managers and supervisors.
• Experience overseeing complex manufacturing operations with production budgets and improvements.
• Strong track record of delivering improvements in efficiency, productivity, quality and cost control.

Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for the effective management and performance of a substantial manufacturing operation.
• Lead and develop experienced operational management teams with clear objectives and high standards.
• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency, productivity, cost effectiveness and processes.
• Oversee production planning, resource utilisation and delivery to meet business and customer requirements.
• Manage operational budgets, performance measures and improvement programmes.
• Champion a strong health and safety culture and maintain high standards of compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and other methodologies.
• Work with senior management to support longer-term business plans.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Leadership

Strategic planning

Education

Degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Operations Manager - Manufacturing | Location: South London | Salary: £80-90k + Benefits | Permanent, Full-Time

We are recruiting for an experienced Operations Manager to join an established manufacturing organisation in a senior operational leadership position.

This opportunity would suit an accomplished Manufacturing Operations Manager, Senior Manufacturing Manager or Head of Manufacturing with experience managing substantial production operations, leading large teams and delivering measurable improvements in operational performance.

The role requires a commercially aware and hands‑on leader who can combine strategic planning with effective day‑to‑day management, ensuring operational objectives are achieved while continually improving efficiency, productivity and performance.

The Role:

• Take responsibility for the effective management and performance of a substantial manufacturing operation.
• Lead and develop experienced operational management teams, ensuring clear objectives, accountability and high standards of performance.
• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency, productivity, cost effectiveness and operational processes.
• Oversee production planning, resource utilisation and operational delivery to achieve business and customer requirements.
• Manage operational budgets, performance measures and improvement programmes, ensuring resources are used effectively.
• Champion a strong health and safety culture and maintain high standards of operational compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and other established methodologies.
• Work closely with senior management and other business functions to support operational objectives and longer‑term business plans.

The Candidate:

• Significant experience in a senior manufacturing or production management position, ideally within a medium‑to‑large manufacturing organisation.
• Proven ability to lead substantial operational teams, including managing and developing managers and supervisors.
• Experience overseeing complex manufacturing operations with responsibility for production performance, budgets and operational improvement.
• A strong track record of delivering measurable improvements in efficiency, productivity, quality and cost control.
• Practical knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and continuous improvement principles.
• Good technical understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment and engineering‑related operations.
• Strong commercial awareness, organisational skills and the ability to make effective operational decisions.
• Relevant health and safety qualifications, ideally IOSH or NEBOSH, together with a degree or equivalent experience.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.