Vacancy: Operations Manager

Location: Evesham andamp; Ledbury, UK
Contract: Permanent
Reporting to: Plant General Manager

About the Role

We are seeking an exceptional Operations Manager to lead and transform manufacturing operations across two key UK sites. This is a senior leadership role, reporting to the Plant General Manager, with full accountability for production, continuous improvement, engineering, and overall operational excellence.

As part of the Senior Management Team, you will drive strategy execution, lead high-performing teams, and ensure operational targets are met while promoting a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Senior Management andamp; Strategy

• Contribute to setting and delivering the overall business strategy
• Provide clear, timely communications on operational performance and improvement initiatives
• Be a visible and accessible leader - lead by example, foster engagement, and build trust across the business

Operations andamp; Production

• Develop and implement continuous improvement plans across both sites
• Optimise production processes to maximise quality, output, and minimise waste
• Deliver key capital investment projects and manage operational budgets
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, safety, quality, and environmental standards
• Maintain robust management information systems and KPI tracking

Engineering andamp; Technical Excellence

• Improve machine reliability and operational efficiency
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to reduce downtime, improve waste reduction, and support engineering projects

Team Development

• Develop team members through coaching, performance reviews, and succession planning
• Set and monitor improvement targets for individuals and departments
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance culture

Candidate Profile

Essential Qualifications andamp; Experience:

• Proven senior Operations Management experience in fast-paced manufacturing
• Experience in flexible packaging is desirable but not essential
• Hands-on knowledge and implementation of Lean and Continuous Improvement methodologies (Six Sigma, Kaizen)
• Strong business acumen and operational strategy experience
• Degree in a science, technology, or engineering discipline preferred

Skills andamp; Attributes:

• Inspirational, accessible, and visible leader
• Strong analytical, structured, and solutions-oriented approach
• Excellent people management and communication skills
• Collaborative and inclusive mindset
• Ambitious, results-driven, and detail-oriented

Desirable:

• Working knowledge of SAP
• Experience in packaging manufacturing

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary
• Car allowance or company car
• Bonus: up to 15-30% (structure to be confirmed)
• Pension, professional membership support, and other benefits
• Hybrid working opportunities
• Opportunity to lead transformation in a high-profile, innovative manufacturing environment

Why This Role£