Operations Manager (Manufacturing/Assembly)

Universal Business Team; Waverley; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit Share Bonus Scheme

Free Lunch Provided Daily

Early Finish Every Friday

Birthday Off

Job summary

Universal Business Team is assisting a market-leading UK manufacturer to recruit an Operations Manager in Cranleigh, Surrey. You will lead production, warehouse and logistics to ensure safe, on-time manufacturing and dispatch with high quality.

You’ll build a high-performance culture, drive Lean/continuous improvement, coach teams, and partner with senior leadership to support growth and operational excellence in a hands-on SME environment.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience within an SME manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing production, warehouse, and logistics operations.
• Track record of improving OTIF and customer service levels.
• Strong planning, organisational and communication skills.
• Hands-on approach with strategic thinking.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop warehouse, production, and logistics teams.
• Drive improvements in OTIF (On Time In Full) delivery performance.
• Manage production planning, workflow, and resource utilisation.
• Improve operational efficiency, productivity, and quality standards.
• Develop and coach team members to maximise performance and engagement.
• Oversee transport and logistics operations to ensure cost-effective service delivery.
• Implement Lean, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain excellent stock accuracy and inventory control.
• Monitor operational KPIs and drive performance improvements.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety legislation and best practice.
• Collaborate with Customer Service, Procurement, and Senior Leadership teams.
• Support operational scalability and business growth initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

SME manufacturing

OTIF improvement

People management

Strategic thinking

Process improvements

Health & Safety

ERP/MRP systems

Tools

ERP

MRP

Job description

Operations Manager

Cranleigh, Surrey
£60,000 - £70,000 per annum DOE + Profit Share Bonus + Free Lunch + Early Finish Fridays + Birthday Off + Excellent Benefits

Lead Operations. Drive Performance. Shape the Future.

Are you a hands-on Operations Manager who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment? Do you enjoy improving operational performance, developing teams, and making a real impact on business growth?

If so, this is an opportunity to join a highly respected UK manufacturer where you’ll have the autonomy, influence, and support to drive meaningful change.

Our client is a market-leading manufacturer, trusted by customers nationwide for its quality, innovation, and commitment to delivering exceptional products and service. As the business continues its exciting growth journey, we’re looking for an ambitious Operations Manager to take ownership of Production, Warehouse, and Logistics operations and help elevate performance to the next level.

This is a key leadership position where you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering operational excellence while contributing to the wider strategic direction of the business.

The Role

Reporting into senior leadership, you’ll lead the day-to-day operations of the warehouse, production, and logistics functions, ensuring products are manufactured, dispatched, and delivered safely, efficiently, and on time.

You’ll be responsible for creating a high-performance culture, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and implementing the systems, processes, and behaviours needed to support future growth.

This role would suit someone who has developed their career within an SME manufacturing environment and understands the balance between being strategic and remaining visible and hands-on with the team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop warehouse, production, and logistics teams
• Drive improvements in OTIF (On Time In Full) delivery performance
• Manage production planning, workflow, and resource utilisation
• Improve operational efficiency, productivity, and quality standards
• Develop and coach team members to maximise performance and engagement
• Oversee transport and logistics operations to ensure cost-effective service delivery
• Implement Lean, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Maintain excellent stock accuracy and inventory control
• Monitor operational KPIs and drive performance improvements
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety legislation and best practice
• Collaborate with Customer Service, Procurement, and Senior Leadership teams
• Support operational scalability and business growth initiatives

We’re keen to speak with candidates who can demonstrate:

• Proven leadership experience within an SME manufacturing environment
• Experience managing production, warehouse, and logistics operations
• A track record of improving OTIF, operational performance, and customer service levels
• Strong people leadership and team development skills
• A hands‑on approach combined with strategic thinking
• Experience driving process improvements and operational change
• Excellent planning, organisational, and communication skills
• Strong understanding of Health & Safety within manufacturing
• Experience using ERP, MRP, production planning, or stock control systems

Desirable

• Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or Operational Excellence experience
• Manufacturing, engineering, fabrication, assembly, or construction product background
• Forklift licence/certification
• Experience supporting growth within a scaling SME

This is an opportunity to join a business that genuinely values its people and creates an environment where individuals can make a real difference.

Benefits Include:

• £60,000 - £70,000 salary depending on experience
• Profit Share Bonus Scheme
• Free Lunch Provided Daily
• Early Finish Every Friday
• Birthday Off Every Year
• Growing, successful UK manufacturer
• Supportive and collaborative leadership team
• Real opportunity to influence business performance and future growth
• Career development and progression opportunities
• Additional benefits and rewards

If you’re a passionate operational leader who enjoys building teams, improving performance, and driving continuous improvement within a growing manufacturing business, we’d love to hear from you.