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Manpower UK; Workington; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

ManpowerGroup in Cumbria is seeking an experienced Site Operations Manager to lead day‑to‑day manufacturing across multiple production areas, delivering safety, quality, and financial targets. You will manage through Production Managers, drive engagement, and champion continuous improvement.

The role requires a senior operations background within manufacturing, with experience in regulated environments, SAP knowledge, and a proven ability to develop leaders and improve site performance.

Qualifications

• Senior operations management experience in manufacturing environments.
• Experience leading large teams through direct and indirect reporting lines.
• Track record of delivering continuous improvement and cost reduction.
• Experience working in highly regulated manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations across multiple production areas.
• Deliver budgets for output, labour, waste, and capital expenditure.
• Drive improvements in productivity, efficiency, quality, and cost.
• Ensure production plans meet customer demand and timelines.
• Monitor KPIs like output, waste, overtime, downtime, and delivery.
• Lead Lean, Six Sigma or Kaizen initiatives for transformation.
• Develop and mentor managers to build a strong talent pipeline.
• Promote a safety‑driven, accountable, high‑performing culture.

Skills

Senior operations management

Leadership and coaching

Change and transformation

Problem solving

Financial management

Education

Engineering/Manufacturing/Science degree

Tools

SAP

Job description

Are you an experienced manufacturing leader who thrives on driving operational performance, developing teams, and delivering continuous improvement?

We are seeking a

Site Operations Manager to take responsibility for two critical production areas within a busy and highly regulated manufacturing environment. Reporting to the Plant General Manager and forming part of the Site Leadership Team, this position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on operational performance, culture, safety, and future growth. This role would suit an ambitious Operations Manager who enjoys leading change, coaching people, improving processes, and delivering measurable business results.

For candidates based elsewhere in the UK, a

robust relocation package is available, making this an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to advance their career while enjoying the lifestyle benefits of the Lake District region.

The Role

As Site Operations Manager, you will lead day-to-day manufacturing operations, ensuring production targets, quality standards, safety requirements, and financial objectives are consistently achieved.

You will manage through a team of Production Managers while maintaining a strong presence across the shop floor, driving engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing operations across multiple production areas.
• Deliver operational budgets relating to output, labour costs, waste reduction, and capital expenditure.
• Drive improvements in efficiency, productivity, quality, and cost performance.
• Ensure production plans are executed effectively to meet customer demand.
• Monitor and improve key operational KPIs including output, waste, overtime, downtime, and delivery performance.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or similar methodologies.
• Support operational transformation projects and future site improvements.
• Develop, coach, and mentor managers and supervisors to build a strong talent pipeline.
• Promote a positive, high-performing culture focused on safety, accountability, and teamwork.
• Maintain compliance with Health, Safety, Environmental, and Quality standards.
• Work closely with senior leadership to support strategic business objectives and long-term site success.

About You

You will be an experienced manufacturing professional with a proven track record of leading teams and delivering operational improvements in a fast-paced environment.

• Senior Operations Management experience within manufacturing.
• Packaging, printing, extrusion, plastics, FMCG, food, or process manufacturing experience.
• SAP knowledge.
• Experience managing large teams through direct and indirect reports.
• Strong operational and financial management capability.
• Experience delivering change and transformation initiatives.
• Proven track record of improving productivity, efficiency, and overall site performance.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and people development skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Experience working within highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Degree qualification in Engineering, Manufacturing, Science, or a related discipline.

What's on Offer?

• Excellent Salary, with flexibility for the right candidate.
• Opportunity to join a site undergoing operational change and investment.
• Strategic leadership role with significant influence across the business.
• Scope to lead continuous improvement and transformational projects.
• A people-focused environment that values leadership, coaching, and collaboration.
• Genuine opportunity to shape the future direction of site operations.

Working Pattern

Cumbria- Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week, with flexibility required to support operational and business needs.

If you are a driven Operations Manager with a passion for leadership, continuous improvement, and manufacturing excellence, we would love to hear from you.

If you receive suspicious outreach claiming to be from us, please contact us via the ManpowerGroup website.