Site Operations Manager

Manpower; Tebay; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Manpower is seeking a Site Operations Manager to lead day-to-day manufacturing across two production areas within a busy, highly regulated environment, reporting to the Plant General Manager and contributing to site leadership.

You will develop teams, drive Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement, manage budgets for output and cost, ensure safety, quality and on-time delivery, and build a strong talent pipeline through coaching and mentoring.

Qualifications

• Senior Operations Management experience within manufacturing.
• Experience leading large teams and delivering improvements.
• Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Science, or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing operations across two production areas.
• Deliver budgets for output, labour, waste, and capex.
• Drive improvements in efficiency, productivity, quality and cost.
• Ensure production plans meet customer demand.
• Monitor KPIs such as output, waste, downtime, and delivery.
• Lead CI initiatives using Lean/Six Sigma/Kaizen or similar.
• Develop and coach managers and supervisors.
• Maintain safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with senior leadership on strategic site objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Change management

People development

Strategic thinking

Education

Engineering 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.