Smartsearch Recruitment
Operations Manager - Manufacturing
Operations Manager - Manufacturing at Smartsearch Recruitment, based in Wimbledon, South East England, paying £80,000 - £90,000 per annum. This is a permanent role.
- Pay
- £80,000 - £90,000 per annum
- Hours and contract
- Permanent · On site
- Location
- Wimbledon, South East England
- Closing date
- Sector
- Engineering & Manufacturing
About 82% above the going rate for engineering & manufacturing
Reference 57502568
About the role
Operations Manager – Manufacturing | Location: South London | Salary: £80–90k + Benefits | Permanent, Full-Time
We are recruiting for an experienced Operations Manager to join an established manufacturing organisation in a senior operational leadership position.
This opportunity would suit an accomplished Manufacturing Operations Manager, Senior Manufacturing Manager or Head of Manufacturing with experience managing substantial production operations, leading large teams and delivering measurable improvements in operational performance.
The role requires a commercially aware and hands-on leader who can combine strategic planning with effective day-to-day management, ensuring operational objectives are achieved while continually improving efficiency, productivity and performance.
The Role:
- Take responsibility for the effective management and performance of a substantial manufacturing operation.
- Lead and develop experienced operational management teams, ensuring clear objectives, accountability and high standards of performance.
- Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency, productivity, cost effectiveness and operational processes.
- Oversee production planning, resource utilisation and operational delivery to achieve business and customer requirements.
- Manage operational budgets, performance measures and improvement programmes, ensuring resources are used effectively.
- Champion a strong health and safety culture and maintain high standards of operational compliance.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and other established methodologies.
- Work closely with senior management and other business functions to support operational objectives and longer-term business plans.
The Candidate:
- Significant experience in a senior manufacturing or production management position, ideally within a medium-to-large manufacturing organisation.
- Proven ability to lead substantial operational teams, including managing and developing managers and supervisors.
- Experience overseeing complex manufacturing operations with responsibility for production performance, budgets and operational improvement.
- A strong track record of delivering measurable improvements in efficiency, productivity, quality and cost control.
- Practical knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and continuous improvement principles.
- Good technical understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment and engineering-related operations.
- Strong commercial awareness, organisational skills and the ability to make effective operational decisions.
- Relevant health and safety qualifications, ideally IOSH or NEBOSH, together with a degree or equivalent experience.
- Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
If this sounds like the opportunity that you have been looking for then please apply with your CV.
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Reference: 57502568 · Posted 4 days ago · Closes 9 Dec 2026 · Listed via Smartsearch Recruitment
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