Manufacturing Operations Manager

£40,000 – £55,000
Outskirts of Maidstone | Full Time | Permanent | Office Based

Contact: Emily or Sammy at Pearson Whiffin Recruitment

Are you an engineering professional who thrives in a hands-on SME environment where adaptability, initiative and team culture matter just as much as process and performance?

We’re exclusively supporting a long-established specialist engineering business seeking an Operations Manager to play a pivotal role in strengthening operational performance, supporting commercial growth, and maintaining a positive and responsive working environment.

This is a highly visible, influential role within a technically focused company where bespoke manufacturing and customer service are the norm. As a growing SME, the business requires someone practical and solutions-focused — not purely compliance-driven — who can balance structure with agility and react quickly to changing business needs. You’ll work closely with the Directors to improve performance, profitability and operational resilience as the company continues to expand.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain a positive and collaborative working environment, ensuring team morale and culture remain central to operational success
• React quickly and effectively to new business requirements, customer demands and operational challenges
• Contribute to operational strategy to support sustainable commercial growth
• Identify efficiencies that improve margin, productivity and workflow
• Support and maintain regulatory and industry compliance in a pragmatic and commercially aware manner
• Lead and manage Health & Safety systems (NEBOSH highly desirable)
• Implement practical, structured operational processes and documented procedures where needed
• Strengthen quality control systems in line with business objectives
• Support production planning and shop floor workflow
• Coordinate staff, materials and equipment effectively
• Oversee facilities, maintenance and contractor relationships
• Support financial controls, supplier negotiations and cost management

What We’re Looking For

• Engineering or manufacturing background
• Strong understanding of shop floor operations within a production environment
• Experience overseeing H&S and quality systems without taking an overly bureaucratic approach
• Commercial awareness with the ability to balance compliance, culture and profitability
• Experience supporting business growth, cost control and supplier negotiations
• Confident and pragmatic people leader within an SME environment
• Comfortable building structure where processes are evolving
• Highly adaptable, proactive and able to use initiative
• Capable of resolving unexpected and unpredictable challenges in a calm, practical manner

Why Apply?

• Direct reporting line to Directors
• Genuine autonomy and visible impact
• Opportunity to shape systems that support business growth
• Stable, well-established Kent business with international backing
• Competitive salary of £40,000–£55,000 depending on experience

If you’re motivated to strengthen and streamline operations while contributing positively to team culture and commercial success, this is a role where you can make a meaningful and lasting impact.