Operations Manager

Operations Manager
Newbury, Berkshire | Fully On-site
Competitive Salary

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee the day-to-day running of a well-established engineering and manufacturing business in Newbury.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded and hands-on leader to take responsibility for operational performance, production, quality, delivery and cost control, while driving efficiency and continuous improvement across the business.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will play a key role in ensuring the operation runs effectively, resources are used efficiently and customer expectations are consistently met. You will lead and develop the operational team, establish clear performance objectives and identify opportunities to improve processes, productivity and overall business performance.

Key Responsibilities

- Oversee day-to-day operational activities, ensuring production targets, delivery schedules and quality standards are achieved.
- Manage production planning, resource allocation and capacity to maximise efficiency and minimise delays.
- Monitor operational KPIs, budgets and costs, identifying variances and implementing appropriate corrective actions.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve productivity, reduce waste and optimise workflows.
- Lead, motivate and develop operational teams, promoting accountability and high performance.
- Maintain high standards of quality, health and safety, and compliance with relevant procedures and regulations.
- Work closely with engineering, purchasing, quality and commercial teams to ensure effective coordination across the business.
- Manage supplier relationships and material availability to support operational requirements.
- Identify operational risks, resolve issues and implement robust processes to improve consistency and reliability.
- Support business planning, capacity development and the introduction of new products, processes and operational improvements.
- Provide regular performance updates to senior management, highlighting progress, challenges and opportunities for improvement.

About You

You will be an experienced operations or manufacturing professional with a proven ability to lead teams, manage complex operational activities and deliver measurable business improvements.

Ideally, you will have:

- Experience in an Operations Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Production Manager, Factory Manager or similar leadership role.
- A background in manufacturing, engineering, automotive, industrial production or a related technical environment.
- Experience overseeing production activities, planning resources and managing operational performance.
- A strong understanding of budgets, cost control, KPIs and performance reporting.
- A track record of improving efficiency, productivity, quality and operational processes.
- Experience leading, developing and motivating teams.
- A good understanding of health and safety and quality management.
- Strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills.
- A practical, hands-on management style combined with strong commercial awareness.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams.

Experience with lean manufacturing, continuous improvement methodologies, production systems or ERP/MRP platforms would be advantageous.

An engineering, manufacturing or operations-related qualification would be beneficial, although relevant experience and a strong track record of achievement will also be considered.

What''s on Offer?

- A competitive salary, dependent on experience.
- The opportunity to influence business performance and implement meaningful improvements.
- The chance to lead and develop a team within an established engineering and manufacturing environment.
- A varied role combining operational leadership, commercial responsibility and continuous improvement.

If you are an experienced operations professional looking for your next challenge within a manufacturing or engineering environment, we would welcome a confidential conversation.

Please submit your CV or get in touch to find out more about the opportunity.