Operations Manager
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Chesterfield
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£60,000 - £65,000 + Bonus + Excellent Benefits
A leading industrial manufacturing business is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to join its Chesterfield site. This is a critical leadership role for a strategic, forward-thinking operator who can drive efficiencies and optimise performance.
Experience working within a manufacturing and/or hazardous environment (e.g. heavy industry, chemicals, engineering, etc.) is required for this position. Applicants without this experience will not be shortlisted.
The client has noted that a willingess to support with night shifts and occasional weekend work is required - not often but a willingess to support with this is essential.
The Role:
Reporting into the General Manager, you will take ownership of the site's operational performance, focusing on strategic improvement, efficiency gains, and team development.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic & Operational Improvement
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Develop and implement strategies to improve operational efficiency, productivity, and throughput
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Identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies, driving continuous improvement across all processes
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Analyse performance data and introduce initiatives to reduce cycle times and improve output
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Optimise production processes and ensure best-in-class operational standards
Leadership & Team Development
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Create a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement
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Get the best out of your team by coaching, mentoring, and driving performance standards
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Work collaboratively with Production and Supervisory teams to raise overall capability
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Identify and develop future talent, supporting succession planning across the site
Performance & Commercial Focus
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Set, track, and improve KPIs including throughput, utilisation, downtime, and quality
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Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives across energy, materials, and processes
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Ensure operational performance supports overall profitability targets
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Build and maintain strong relationships with customers and internal stakeholders
Health, Safety & Compliance
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Promote and lead a strong safety-first culture across the site
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Ensure all operations meet Health & Safety and environmental standards
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Conduct regular audits and proactively address risks and behaviours
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Work closely with H&S teams to maintain training, compliance, and reporting standards
About You
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Proven experience in an operations or production leadership role
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A strategic thinker with a track record of improving efficiencies and driving change
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Strong leadership capability with the ability to engage, develop, and maximise team performance
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Experience with continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, 6S, Kaizen, etc.)
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Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and drive decisions
Desirable:
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IOSH or equivalent Health & Safety qualification
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Background in heavy industry or process-driven manufacturing
What's on Offer
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Salary up to £65,000 (DOE)
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Bonus up to 9%
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25 days holiday + bank holidays
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Share Save Scheme
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Employee Assistance Programme
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On-site Mental Health First Aid support
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Death in Service (3x salary)
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Discounts & savings platform
