Operations Program Manager

iO Associates; Littleborough; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global manufacturer is seeking an Operations Program Manager to manage global projects and new product introductions at their Huddersfield site. The ideal candidate will have a strong operations background and experience in project management. This role offers a competitive salary, bonuses, and the chance to lead impactful initiatives in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Life assurance

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing multiple stakeholders and facilitating business processes.
• Strong background in Operations, ideally in production, quality, or supply chain.
• Experience applying Lean or Six Sigma methodologies (Green Belt preferred).

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate all NPI and international maintenance projects.
• Serve as the primary contact for stakeholders on launches and maintenance projects.
• Develop governance structures and tracking tools to enhance project transparency.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Project management

Analytical skills

Lean Six Sigma methodologies

Communication skills

Education

Degree in a technical or numerical discipline

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Operations Program Manager
Location: Huddersfield, UK
Employment Type: Professional
Salary: Competitive + Bonus + Benefits

iO Associates has partnered with a leading global manufacturer specialising in high-quality healthcare, pharmaceutical, and consumer health products is seeking an Operations Program Manager for their Huddersfield Site. Operating in a highly regulated environment with a strong focus on innovation and operational excellence, the company delivers complex product portfolios to markets worldwide. This role will be instrumental in managing global projects, new product introductions (NPI), and portfolio changes, working with multiple cross-functional teams across both local and international operations.

About the Role:
As an Operations Program Manager, you will coordinate and oversee the implementation of NPIs, portfolio changes, international rollouts, and a variety of OpEx and CapEx projects. You will be responsible for driving governance processes that ensure projects are delivered on time, in line with business supply plans, and in compliance with regulatory and operational standards. This is an opportunity to create a significant impact by improving systems and processes, embedding best practices, and shaping a culture of continuous improvement across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and coordinate all NPI and international maintenance projects, ensuring on-time delivery by overseeing the complete process - from trials and validation to final product release.
• Serve as the primary contact for stakeholders on launches and maintenance projects, ensuring clear communication and alignment.
• Consolidate and track all Technical Operations projects through structured governance processes, monitoring milestones, deliverables, and KPIs.
• Identify and resolve project delays or risks, escalating issues to the Operations Leadership Team when necessary.
• Develop and continuously improve governance structures and tracking tools to enhance transparency and efficiency.
• Facilitate cross-functional meetings to align actions and ensure timely execution.
• Analyse stakeholder and market requirements to ensure alignment with project plans.
• Identify process gaps and drive the implementation of best practice project management tools and methodologies.
• Support the organisation in understanding interdependencies and roles in delivering projects.
• Assess resource requirements, manage priorities, and facilitate decision-making.
• Maintain visibility of overall project plans in line with supply review processes.
• Collaborate closely with commercial PMO teams to align governance and delivery of NPIs.
• Provide direct support to the Operations Leadership Team, including risk management tracking, mitigation planning, and preparing content for senior reviews.
• Contribute to the Continuous Improvement maturity roadmap and embed Lean Six Sigma methodologies.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Degree or equivalent in a technical or numerical discipline (e.g., science, engineering, or business).
• Proven experience managing multiple stakeholders and facilitating business processes.
• Strong background in Operations, ideally spanning production, quality, supply chain, technical, or continuous improvement functions.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems.
• Strong project management skills, ideally with exposure to NPI in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Experience applying Lean or Six Sigma methodologies (Green Belt certification preferred).
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proactive, pragmatic approach with the ability to foresee and address potential issues early.

Why Join?
This is a unique opportunity to join a globally recognised manufacturer where your role directly shapes operational success and product delivery worldwide. You will gain exposure to high-impact projects, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement initiatives, all while enjoying a competitive salary, Benefits, life assurance, and a supportive, forward-thinking work environment.

If you are ready to lead strategic projects and contribute to the delivery of life-enhancing healthcare products globally, submit your CV today to