Production & Operations Manager

Pathfinder International; Maidenhead; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Pathfinder International in Maidenhead, Berkshire, is seeking a hands-on Production & Operations Manager to take day-to-day ownership of its 5,500 sq ft facility with about 10 staff. You will drive production, warehousing, quality and stock management while coordinating with suppliers and the leadership team.

The role emphasizes shop floor leadership, problem solving, and continuous improvement using Lean principles and ISO standards to maintain safe, efficient operations.

Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing, engineering, assembly, maintenance or technical operations.
• Experience leading production, workshop or warehouse teams.
• Awareness of ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 management systems is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate day‑to‑day production, assembly, warehouse and operations.
• Develop and manage the operational team with clear responsibilities.
• Monitor productivity, performance and KPIs.
• Identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Support new product introduction and manufacturing process changes.
• Manage inventory, stock levels and purchasing needs.
• Oversee supplier relationships and long‑lead procurement.
• Maintain BOMs and manufacturing documentation in the MRP system.
• Develop and maintain SOPs.
• Support ISO 9001/ISO 14001 and internal/external audits.
• Ensure Health & Safety controls, risk assessments, PPE and COSHH.
• Drive continuous improvement and Lean initiatives.
• Report performance and risks to directors.

Skills

Leadership

Production management

Manufacturing

ERP/MRP

Lean manufacturing

Quality & safety

Tools

ERP/MRP system

Job description

Production & Operations Manager (293jc) – Maidenhead, Berkshire – Circa £55,000 + Benefits

An established UK SME manufacturing specialist fire suppression and water mist equipment is looking for an experienced Production & Operations Manager to take day-to-day ownership of its Maidenhead facility.

This is an excellent opportunity for a military veteran with a strong engineering, maintenance, workshop or operational leadership background to transition into a senior civilian management position. Candidates who have served within REME or another technically focused branch or trade may find their experience particularly transferable.

You do not need to have previously held the civilian job title of Production & Operations Manager. The employer is interested in people who can demonstrate the leadership, technical understanding, accountability and problem-solving ability required to run a small operational site effectively.

The successful candidate will take responsibility for a circa 5,500 sq. ft. facility with approximately 10 employees, including two direct reports, and will report to the Board of Directors.

The Role

This is a hands‑on leadership position rather than a desk‑based corporate management role. You will take ownership of the day-to-day operation, ensuring that production, assembly, warehousing, quality, stock, suppliers and operational priorities are properly coordinated.

You will be expected to understand what is happening across the site, establish clear priorities, resolve problems and ensure actions are followed through to completion.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading and coordinating day‑to‑day production, assembly, warehouse and operational activities.
• Managing and developing the operational team, establishing clear responsibilities and accountability.
• Monitoring productivity, operational performance and KPIs.
• Identifying operational problems, establishing root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Supporting new product introduction and manufacturing process changes.
• Managing inventory, stock levels and purchasing requirements.
• Overseeing critical and long‑lead‑time procurement and key supplier relationships.
• Managing supply‑chain risks and ensuring effective stock‑control processes.
• Maintaining accurate manufacturing information, Bills of Materials (BOMs) and operational documentation within the MRP system.
• Developing and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Supporting the company’s ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 management systems and participating in internal and external audits.
• Ensuring appropriate Health & Safety controls, risk assessments, PPE and COSHH requirements are maintained.
• Driving continuous improvement, including practical Lean manufacturing principles where appropriate.
• Reporting operational performance, risks and significant issues to the directors.

Military Experience

This position could be particularly suitable for a Senior NCO or experienced military engineering leader who has managed people, equipment, workshops, maintenance activities, stores, technical processes or operational delivery.

A background within REME or similar would be highly relevant, although applications are welcomed from veterans of any Service or Corps who can demonstrate comparable engineering and operational leadership experience.

Transferable military experience could include:

• Workshop, engineering or maintenance management.
• Leading and developing technical teams.
• Equipment availability and operational readiness.
• Stores, inventory and supply‑chain management.
• Technical documentation and engineering procedures.
• Health & Safety and risk management.
• Quality assurance and compliance.
• Fault finding, root‑cause analysis and problem solving.
• Continuous improvement and improving working practices.
• Taking ownership of an operation and delivering against competing priorities.

What We’re Looking For

The employer is looking for a practical, accountable leader who is comfortable being visible on the shop floor and getting involved when required.

Ideally, you will bring experience of manufacturing, engineering, assembly, maintenance or a comparable technical operational environment. Experience of managing production, workshop or warehouse teams would be valuable, together with an understanding of stock management, purchasing, suppliers and ERP/MRP systems.

Experience of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, internal auditing or formal continuous‑improvement methodologies would be advantageous. An engineering or technical background is beneficial, but the original role specification does not make it essential.

Above all, the employer is looking for someone who takes ownership. You should be comfortable making decisions, leading from the front and introducing structure and discipline without unnecessary bureaucracy.

You will need to be organised, calm and methodical when problems arise, capable of developing people and confident communicating issues to senior management together with potential solutions.

For the right military veteran, this represents an opportunity to move into a position with genuine responsibility for a complete SME operation, where your leadership and engineering experience can have a visible impact from day one.

Source