Operations Program Manager

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

Job summary

A leading global healthcare company in Huddersfield is seeking an Operations Program Manager to manage global projects and new product introductions. This role focuses on collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure project success in compliance with regulatory standards. Strong operational, project management, and stakeholder management skills required. Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits in a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Bonus

Life assurance

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in a technical or numerical discipline.
• Proven experience managing multiple stakeholders.
• Strong background in Operations with production or quality exposure.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate all NPI and international maintenance projects.
• Serve as the primary contact for stakeholders on launches.
• Track all Technical Operations projects for KAIs and milestones.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Project management

Communication

Lean methodologies

Education

Degree in science, engineering, or business

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

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 ).
• 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