Operations Manager – Manufacturing (South West England)

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead a high‑performance manufacturing site in Somerset. The role involves overseeing production, driving continuous improvement and ensuring quality standards are met across the operation.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute manufacturing strategies that boost productivity and align with business objectives.
• Own operational performance through KPIs, identify gaps early and implement corrective actions.
• Lead production planning and coordinate maintenance scheduling to maintain continuity and efficiency.
• Drive Lean, Six Sigma and other continuous‑improvement initiatives to reduce waste and improve quality.
• Collaborate with engineering, supply‑chain and quality teams to deliver seamless manufacturing plans.
• Support customer audits, manage queries and ensure robust operational responses.

Required profile

• 10‑15 years of experience in production or operations management within a complex process‑manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record of improving processes and delivering operational results, preferably in precision engineering.
• Strong leadership, planning and budgeting capabilities with a safety‑first mindset.

Required skills

• ISO9001 and/or AS9100 quality standards
• Lean Six Sigma methodology
• PFMEA, PPAP and FAIR disciplines
• MRP/ERP planning tools

What we offer

• Competitive annual salary £85,000‑£100,000
• Annual bonus up to 10%
• Company car allowance
• 39‑hour work week with some flexibility on start/finish times