Site Manufacturing Operations Manager

Site Manufacturing Operations Manager

Based: Central/East

Salary: £80,000 - £100,000 plus performance related bonus, car allowance and a range of exceptional employee benefits

This global manufacturer seeks an experienced, forward‑thinking manufacturing operations manager who can embed a culture of Continuous Improvement and deliver sustained, year‑on‑year performance gains. This role is central to shaping the site’s long‑term vision while driving daily excellence across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and Growth. You will play a pivotal part in setting strategic direction, elevating operational capability, and ensuring the business consistently exceeds stakeholder expectations.

Key Responsibilities

Organisational Leadership

• Hold full responsibility for site operations, including manufacturing, facilities, planning, tactical purchasing, materials management, and team leadership.
• Lead cross‑functional teams and value streams by setting clear objectives, executing daily management routines, and implementing corrective actions to ensure customer success.
• Develop and strengthen the site leadership team to achieve high performance and long‑term capability.
• Establish and communicate a compelling operational vision, supported by measurable goals and clear progress indicators.
• Build a learning‑driven culture that identifies performance gaps, embraces problem‑solving, and continuously adapts to improve.
• Align the organisation to both short‑ and long‑term business priorities, with a strong emphasis on change management and growth.

Driving Business Performance

• Define, communicate, and align the organisation around key performance indicators to ensure targets are consistently met.
• Champion all Environmental, Health & Safety initiatives, ensuring associate and product safety remain the highest priority.
• Lead the site’s business management cadence (Daily/Weekly/Monthly) to drive performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Growth.
• Own operational and financial outcomes, including Revenue, Operating Income, and Cash performance. Manage budgets effectively to support both immediate and strategic objectives.
• Collaborate with other site leaders and central functions to ensure seamless customer support and operational excellence.
• Partner with business leadership to develop annual operating budgets, including capital investment planning.
• Accelerate operational speed by eliminating waste and reducing lead times.
• Deliver year‑over‑year cost reductions (minimum 3% net of inflation).
• Improve inventory turns through Lean methodologies and strong working‑capital management.
• Communicate performance updates clearly and regularly to key stakeholders.
• Set the Continuous Improvement agenda and maintain a high‑cadence review rhythm.
• Be visible and engaged on the shop floor, supporting teams during kaizen events and GEMBA activities.
• Build a high‑performing, accountable team with strong follow‑through.
• Recruit, retain, and develop top talent, providing regular feedback and recognition.
• Maintain open communication with associates through regular all‑employee updates.

Professional Experience and Qualifications


Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of experience in manufacturing.
• At least 5 years leading manufacturing teams with demonstrable results.
• Strong Lean expertise with a track record of leading transformational change.
• Excellent communication skills, high energy, strong ownership mindset, and a sense of urgency.
• Proficiency in all Microsoft products (Outlook, Excel, SharePoint and PowerPoint
• Hands‑on experience with CI tools such as 80/20, Value Stream Mapping, 6S, Lean Conversion, Standard Work, Visual Daily Management, Kanban/Replenishment, FMEA, and Advanced Problem Solving.
• Strong critical‑thinking and analytical skills with a bias toward data‑driven decision‑making.
• Solid financial and operational acumen to support demand/supply planning and performance management.

Interpersonal and Leadership Capabilities

• Demonstrates strong business and financial acumen.
• Visionary leadership with the ability to inspire and mobilise teams.
• Skilled at diagnosing and closing organisational culture gaps.
• Engaged, dynamic leadership style with both strategic and tactical capability.
• Strong presence on the shop floor (GEMBA‑focused).
• Excellent cross‑functional facilitation and team‑building skills.