Senior Operations Manager

Stafforce Recruitment; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency in Tees Valley seeks an experienced Senior Operations Manager to oversee manufacturing operations and lead Section Managers in a fabrication environment. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years' leadership experience in a heavy industrial setting, strong knowledge of fabrication and welding processes, alongside a degree in Business or a related field. This role emphasizes operational excellence, continuous improvement, and collaboration across various teams.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of manufacturing operations leadership experience in an industrial environment.
• Strong understanding of fabrication and welding processes.
• Extensive knowledge of supply chain and logistics operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop Section Managers for high-performing teams.
• Oversee manufacturing operations in a fabrication-focused environment.
• Implement corrective or optimisation actions based on operational data.

Skills

Manufacturing operations leadership

Fabrication and welding processes

Lean methodologies

Stakeholder management

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business or related discipline

Job description

Senior Operations Manager

Full-Time | 38 Hours per Week

We are seeking an experienced Senior Operations Manager to lead our manufacturing operations within an industrial environment. This role oversees Section Managers, driving operational excellence, production performance, and continuous improvement. Familiarity with fabrication, welding, and heavy industrial processes is essential to succeed in this position.

What You'll Do

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop Section Managers to build high-performing teams.
• Ensure consistent application of company policies, standards, and performance expectations.
• Foster a positive, engaging, and safe working environment.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee manufacturing operations within an industrial, fabrication-focused environment.
• Ensure efficient, timely, and high-quality production, including welding and fabrication processes.
• Review operational data, identify trends, and implement corrective or optimisation actions.
• Drive best-practice initiatives across production, including Lean methodologies and automation.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Identify opportunities to improve fabrication and welding processes, reduce waste, and increase productivity.
• Champion modern manufacturing technologies and industrial automation to enhance competitiveness.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with supply chain, finance, logistics, HR, training, and process excellence teams.
• Ensure seamless coordination to meet customer expectations and operational goals.
• Provide regular performance and site updates to key stakeholders.

Strategic Planning

• Develop and execute operational strategies to optimise productivity and resource utilisation.
• Monitor KPIs and performance metrics, implementing improvements where needed.

Who We're Looking For

• Minimum 5 years of manufacturing operations leadership experience in an industrial or heavy manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of fabrication and welding processes is required.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business or related discipline.
• Extensive knowledge of supply chain, finance, manufacturing, and logistics operations.
• Proven experience in Lean, process optimisation, and automation.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Highly organised, adaptable, and able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Motivational, approachable leader with strong problem-solving abilities.

Why Join Us?

• Influence and shape operations within a dynamic industrial manufacturing environment.
• Lead a skilled team working across fabrication, welding, and wider production functions.
• Be part of a forward-thinking organisation committed to innovation and continuous improvement.

Cost Code - s96

About Us

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we're happy to discuss flexible working options.

We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients. If you choose to apply, your information will be processed in accordance with the Nicholas Associates Group of companies.