About the Company
We are a specialist manufacturer of bespoke aluminium and steel products serving the roofing, cladding and construction sectors. Operating from our facility in Bolton, we design and manufacture high quality made to order products from customers across the UK.
As a growing business with a turnover of approximately £4 million and a team of around 20 employees, we are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead our manufacturing operation and support the next phase of growth.
The Role
This is a hands-on leadership role with responsibility for the day-to-day management of our manufacturing operation. The successful candidate will oversee production, planning, stock control, quality, health & safety and workforce performance whilst driving continuous improvement across the business.
The role is ideally suited to someone with experience in bespoke manufacturing environments where production planning, lead-time management and operational efficiency are critical to success.
Key Responsibilities
Production & Operational Management
· Lead and manage all manufacturing operations.
· Ensure customer orders are delivered safely, efficiently and on time.
· Develop and maintain effective production schedules and capacity plans.
· Identify and eliminate production bottlenecks.
· Improve workflow from order receipt through to manufacture and dispatch.
· Monitor and improve key operational performance indicators.
Lead Time & Delivery Performance
· Take ownership of production lead times and on-time delivery performance.
· Implement systems and processes to improve production visibility and planning.
· Improve OTIF (On Time In Full) performance.
· Reduce work-in-progress and improve production flow.
Stock & Material Management
· Oversee stock control and material allocation.
· Ensure critical materials are available to support production requirements.
· Improve stock accuracy and inventory management.
· Reduce waste and improve material utilisation.
· Work closely with suppliers to maintain reliable supply chains.
Team Leadership
· Lead, motivate and develop a team of approximately 20 employees.
· Establish clear performance expectations and accountability.
· Drive productivity improvements through effective management and communication.
· Conduct regular performance reviews and training assessments.
· Promote a positive and high-performing workplace culture.
Continuous Improvement
· Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, quality and profitability.
· Introduce and maintain lean manufacturing principles where appropriate.
· Develop and implement operational KPI’s and reporting systems.
· Support future business growth through improved operational capability.
Health, Safety & Quality
· Maintain high standards of health and safety across the facility.
· Ensure compliance with company procedures and industry regulations.
· Drive quality improvements and reduce rework and waste.
Candidate Requirements
Essential
· Proven experience as an Operations Manager, Production Manager, Manufacturing Manager or similar leadership role.
· Experience within bespoke manufacturing, fabrication or engineered-to-order environments.
· Strong production planning and scheduling experience.
· Experience managing manufacturing teams of 15-50 employees.
· Excellent leadership and people management skills.
· Strong understanding of stock control and inventory management.
· Ability to analyse operational performance and implement improvements.
· Commercial awareness and problem-solving ability.
Desirable
· Experience within aluminium, steel, sheet metal, roofing, cladding, façade, architectural metalwork or similar sectors.
· Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement techniques.
· Experience with ERP/MRP systems.
· Understanding of fabrication, folding, welding, assembly or related manufacturing processes.
Personal Attributes
· Hands-on and visible leadership style.
· Highly organised and process driven.
· Strong communicator at all levels.
· Results focused and accountable.
· Able to balance strategic thinking with day-to-day operational demands.
· Driven to improve efficiency, productivity and customer satisfaction.
What We Offer
· Competitive salary and bonus scheme.
· Opportunity to make a significant impact within a growing business.
· Supportive and entrepreneurial working environment.
· Genuine opportunity to progress into a senior operational leadership role as the business grows.
Pay: £50,000.00-£60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
