Operations Manager
Manufacturing | Hydraulics | CNC Environment
Paxton Personnel are pleased to be assisting a well-established UK manufacturer with a strong heritage, blue-chip multinational customers and significant recent investment in plant and equipment. The business is now at a pivotal point and is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead the next phase of operational improvement and long-term succession planning.
This is a highly visible, senior leadership role with full responsibility for manufacturing operations and a genuine opportunity to shape the future of the business.
The Opportunity:
Reporting directly to the Owner / Managing Director, the Operations Manager will take ownership of all operational functions, driving productivity, efficiency and cultural change across the site. You will translate customer demand into robust manufacturing strategies, improve performance across the extended value stream and embed Lean and Continuous Improvement as standard practice.
With the current MD planning an eventual exit, this role offers clear scope for progression and long-term impact for the right individual.
Key Responsibilities:
- Full responsibility for day-to-day manufacturing operations and long-term operational planning
- Drive productivity improvements across production, planning, procurement, quality and engineering
- Deliver customer requirements in full, on time and to quality expectations
- Lead and embed Lean / Continuous Improvement initiatives across the site
- Develop and manage operational budgets and performance metrics
- Improve stock control, JIT processes and supply chain effectiveness
- Ensure the factory, equipment and CNC assets are maintained to high standards
- Lead, develop and engage a stable and experienced management team
- Build a high-performance culture with strong communication, accountability and recognition
What We’re Looking For:
- Degree-qualified in Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Business or equivalent experience
- Proven senior operations experience within a manufacturing / CNC environment
- Strong track record of driving Lean, CI and productivity improvements
- Experience leading and developing multi-skilled operational teams
- Solid understanding of financials, budgets and operational KPIs
- Confident working with ERP systems and complex value streams
- Commercially minded, hands-on and comfortable leading change
Why Join?
- Well-invested manufacturing facility with 60+ high-spec FANUC CNC machines
- Loyal, experienced workforce and strong management team already in place
- Long-term multinational customers committed to the business
- Significant headroom for productivity and performance improvement
- Open, transparent leadership style and strong balance sheet
- A genuine opportunity to help shape an exit strategy and future leadership structure
If you’re an Operations Manager who thrives in turnaround, improvement-led environments and wants a role with real influence and long-term potential, this is a standout opportunity.