Operations Manager

Reference: 4799071Job ID: 5394785Posted: 2026-10-13Closing date: 2027-01-11Location: BirminghamSalary: 55 All the relevant skills, qualifications and experience that a successful applicant will need are listed in the following description. - 60,000 DOE +6% Pension (per annum)Job type: PermanentWorking pattern: Full timeIndustry: Manufacturing & Production / Supply ChainCompany: HaysConsultant: Jim FowlerHays office: Milton Keynes — First Floor, ll Exchange Square, North Fourth Street, MK9 1HLPhone: Email: ManagerLocation: South Birmingham (On-site 5 days per week)Salary: CompetitiveYour new company A well-established, family-run SME manufacturing business with a strong heritage and reputation is entering a key phase of growth.

With ambitious plans to scale, the organisation is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to strengthen operational capability and support future expansion. The business is looking for someone who can provide greater structure, consistency and accountability across its operation, while recognising the importance of bringing people with them.

This is therefore an excellent opportunity for a practical, emotionally intelligent Operations Manager who enjoys identifying opportunities for improvement and turning these into sustainable changes to processes, procedures and operational performance.

Your new role You will take overall responsibility for operational performance from the purchasing of raw materials, through manufacturing and, ultimately, customer delivery. A major focus will be ensuring procurement, production and transport work effectively together, with clear accountability and effective handovers between departments.

Key responsibilities will include

Leading and developing the managers responsible for Production, Transport and Procurement. Improving operational processes, procedures and ways of working. Establishing clear objectives and performance measures and ensuring actions are followed through.

Driving improvements across OTIF, productivity, quality, inventory accuracy, waste and material availability. Improving planning between purchasing, production, sales and transport. Reviewing operational capacity and identifying potential delivery issues before they impact customers.

Driving continuous improvement in productivity, material yield and manufacturing efficiency. Strengthening inventory and stock controls, reducing shortages, discrepancies and slow-moving stock. Managing operational budgets and improving visibility around labour, overtime, transport, maintenance and purchasing expenditure.

Ensuring appropriate health & safety standards and controls are maintained. Using operational data and ERP systems to improve decision-making and performance. What you'll need to succeed We are looking for an experienced operational leader who combines strong manufacturing and supply chain knowledge with a pragmatic, people-focused leadership style.

You should be able to demonstrate: Operational leadership experience within a manufacturing environment. Experience leading managers rather than solely managing frontline teams. Broad exposure across production, inventory/materials, procurement and logistics.

Tangible examples of improving operational KPIs such as OTIF, productivity, quality or inventory accuracy. Experience introducing or improving processes, procedures and operational controls. Strong commercial awareness and experience managing operational budgets.

Confidence using ERP/production planning systems and Excel. The ability to challenge established ways of working constructively. A calm, practical approach to problem-solving and implementing change. Experience in machining or building materials would be advantageous but is not essential.

An IOSH Managing Safely qualification or equivalent is required, with NEBOSH desirable. What you'll get in return 55 - 60,000 DOE + 6% PensionStable but growing SMEOpportunity to shape and influence business-critical processesDirect exposure to senior leadership and decision-makingWhat you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. #4799071 - Jim Fowler

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