Operations Manager

Operations Manager
Kettering
Hours - Monday to Friday 37.5 hrs
Salary
-to £50k plus good benefits

We are recruiting an Operations Manager on behalf of an established UK-based manufacturing business operating in a low-volume, high-value engineering environment. This is a hands-on leadership role with responsibility for end-to-end operational delivery, combining production, service, logistics, and customer-facing activity.

The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring customer commitments are met on time, to quality standards, and within margin expectations, while supporting ongoing business growth and continuous improvement.

The Role

The Operations Manager will act as the central link between engineering, production, sales, and customers, ensuring what is sold can be delivered profitably and reliably. The role includes both operational leadership and commercial input, with involvement in customer engagement, service development, and strategic initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Delivery & Planning
Own and improve end-to-end delivery performance from order acceptance through to shipment, installation, commissioning, and service
Lead integrated planning across sales, engineering, production, service, and procurement
Act as escalation point for delivery issues, ensuring proactive communication and mitigation

Production & Service Oversight
Manage and support team leaders across:
Mechanical production and assembly
Electrical build, calibration, and commissioning
Global service and technical support
Logistics and order fulfilment
Ensure activities follow agreed processes and quality standards
Ensure defects and issues are logged, escalated, and resolved effectively

Commercial & Margin Awareness
Deliver financial objectives through sound operational decision-making
Reduce cost leakage through improved planning, sourcing feedback, and make-or-buy decisions
Work closely with Sales, Buying, and Engineering teams to support commercial outcomes
Report operational financial performance against budget

Customer & Market Engagement
Act as a senior operational contact for key customers
Support development of service offerings, training, upgrades, and aftermarket opportunities
Contribute operational and technical input into marketing, product positioning, and business development activity

Leadership & Team Development
Lead, coach, and develop team leaders to improve accountability and planning discipline
Promote a commercially aware, customer-focused culture
Support training, skills development, and succession planning

Continuous Improvement & Governance
Improve consistency of operational processes without unnecessary bureaucracy
Strengthen feedback loops between production, service, and engineering teams
Support governance, documentation, and compliance standards

About You

Essential:

Engineering background (mechanical and/or electrical)
Proven experience in operations or production management
Experience leading technical or production teams
Strong planning, coordination, and problem-solving skills
Commercial awareness and decision-making capability
Confident communicator with internal teams and customers
Comfortable in a low-volume, high-value manufacturing environment
Willing to challenge constructively and drive improvement

Desirable:

Experience with test equipment, machinery, or capital equipment
Exposure to service, commissioning, or calibration activities
Customer-facing or account support experience
Involvement in business development or product marketing
Knowledge of CE / UKCA or regulated machinery environments
Experience managing subcontract manufactureBenefits
Competitive salary up to £50,000 (DOE)
25–30 days annual leave (service related) plus bank holidays
Life assurance
Group personal pension plan
Income protection
Free on-site parking
Flexible working hours
Potential for global travel

If interested, please apply here or call Kim to discuss further