Strategic Operations Manager – Mechanical Engineering

Blue Arrow; West Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working arrangement

Career progression

Company benefits package

Job summary

Blue Arrow is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead multiple sites across the UK, driving operational excellence and growth. The role blends field-based responsibilities with home-based elements and requires travel.

You will oversee workforce planning, resource management, and improvements, balancing hands-on engineering insight with strategic leadership to deliver projects on time and safely.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in mechanical engineering environments.
• Strong people management and workforce planning capabilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Commercial awareness to support growth and profitability.
• Knowledge of health, safety and quality in engineering environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support operational teams across multiple UK locations.
• Manage workforce planning, resource allocation and labour utilisation.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to support business growth.
• Monitor project delivery, productivity and operational performance.
• Work closely with senior management to identify business improvement opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, quality and industry standards.
• Support recruitment, training and development of engineering personnel.
• Build strong relationships with clients, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Drive operational efficiency and promote best practice across the business.
• Provide leadership and direction to site-based management and engineering teams.
• Contribute to future business planning and organisational development.
• Analyse operational data and reporting to support informed decision-making.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Strategic planning

Communication

Safety compliance

Willingness to travel

Education

Engineering qualifications

Leadership/management certifications

Job description

Blue Arrow is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead multiple sites across the UK, driving operational excellence and growth. The role blends field-based responsibilities with home-based elements and requires travel.

You will oversee workforce planning, resource management, and improvements, balancing hands-on engineering insight with strategic leadership to deliver projects on time and safely.