Senior Site Operations Manager

Senior Site Operations Manager

Based: Home Counties

Salary: circa £130,000, performance related bonus, attractive care allowance and a range of exceptional employee benefits

Future Path: Site Director & Multi‑Plant Leadership

This global manufacturer based in the home counties requires a high‑impact manufacturing leader ready for the next career step. This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a high‑performing site, shape its future, and position yourself for Site Director and ultimately multi‑plant responsibility within the next five years.

Seeking an experienced, dynamic, forward‑thinking operations leader who thrives on challenge, builds strong teams, and knows how to turn strategy into measurable results. You must demonstrate previous knowledge of machine manufacturing, combined with tooling operational knowledge. If you are passionate about operational excellence, cultural transformation, and delivering year‑on‑year performance gains, this role gives you the platform — and the runway — to make it happen.

Role Pathway

• Clear succession plan to Site Director
• Exposure to multi‑site strategy, divisional leadership, and long‑term growth planning
• A business committed to investment, capability building, and continuous improvement
• A culture that values ownership, transparency, and real leadership
• The chance to shape the site’s future and influence the wider network

Key responsibilities

Operational Leadership with Real Influence

Taking full responsibility for the site’s operations — production, planning, materials, facilities, and people — while shaping the long‑term direction of the business. You’ll lead cross‑functional teams, build capability, and create an environment where people are energised to solve problems, innovate, and deliver.

Driving Performance Across SQDCG

You will act as the engine behind the site’s performance, ensuring Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and Growth targets are consistently achieved and exceeded. You’ll set the pace, establish the operating rhythm, and ensure the site is always moving forward.

Building a High‑Performance Culture

Development of leaders, coaching teams, and embedding a culture where continuous improvement is part of everyday thinking. You will be visible, hands‑on, and deeply connected to the manufacturing shop floor — a leader who inspires confidence and brings people with them.

Financial & Strategic Impact

Ownership of operational and financial performance, contribute to annual budgets and capital plans, and help shape the site’s long‑term roadmap. You will work closely with divisional and central teams to ensure alignment, customer success, and readiness for future growth.

Minimum requirements

• 10+ years in machine manufacturing with at least 5 years leading teams
• Strong Lean background with real, measurable results
• A track record of delivering operational improvements and cultural change
• Analytical, data‑driven decision‑making
• Strong communication, presence, and leadership energy
• Financial and operational acumen to support demand, supply, and performance
• Experience with CI tools such as VSM, 6S, Standard Work, Kanban, FMEA, and structured problem‑solving
• A mindset that blends strategic thinking with hands‑on execution

About you

• Visionary yet grounded
• Engaged, visible, and energising
• Comfortable challenging the status quo
• Skilled at building trust and alignment across functions
• Passionate about developing people and strengthening culture
• Naturally drawn to the Gemba
• Ready for bigger responsibility — and eager to earn it