Job overview
Lead production, procurement, supply chain and continuous improvement for a growing manufacturing business, reporting to the Managing Director.
About the role
Collide Technical Recruitment is recruiting on behalf of our client, an established and growing manufacturing business based in Bognor Regis, seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead and develop its manufacturing and operational functions. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on, commercially aware Operations Manager to take ownership of production, procurement, warehousing, supply chain and continuous improvement across two business units operating from the same site. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will play a key role in improving operational efficiency, developing teams, reducing manufacturing costs and supporting the company's continued growth. Operations & Manufacturing Management - Oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations, including production, assembly, packing, despatch, warehousing and supply chain. - Ensure products are manufactured safely, efficiently, on time and to the required quality standards. - Manage production planning across both repeat manufacturing and project-based operations. - Monitor and improve operational KPIs, including on-time delivery, lead times, productivity and manufacturing costs. - Work closely with Engineering to resolve production challenges and implement product improvements. Strategic Procurement & Supply Chain - Develop and implement strategic purchasing initiatives to reduce costs and improve supplier performance. - Identify and establish international supply chains, including sourcing and offshoring products and components to low-cost countries. - Manage supplier relationships, purchasing performance and supply chain risks. - Improve stock management, inventory accuracy and purchasing efficiency. Leadership & Team Development - Lead, manage and develop the Operations team, including Production Cell Leaders, Materials Management and Manufacturing support functions. - Support first-line managers with performance management, training and development. - Introduce clear processes, accountability and operational standards. - Promote a positive, engaged and continuously improving working environment. Continuous Improvement & Lean Manufacturing - Drive continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing and operational processes. - Implement and maintain Lean principles, including 5S, Kanban, visual management and waste reduction. - Develop efficient production flow cells and improve manufacturing layouts. - Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) and operational best practices. - Utilise ERP/MRP systems to improve production planning, stock control and operational reporting. Health, Safety, Quality & Cost Control - Take ownership of Health & Safety performance across Operations. - Ensure compliance with relevant ISO standards and internal quality procedures. - Manage operational budgets and identify cost-saving opportunities. - Monitor manufacturing costs, stock valuation, scrap and rework. - Work closely with Finance and other departments to improve overall business performance. The Ideal Candidate You will be equally comfortable on the shop floor with production teams as discussing operational strategy with senior management — a proactive leader who can identify inefficiencies, implement practical improvements and motivate teams to achieve better results. Salary: £70,000 per year. Apply today through Collide Technical Recruitment. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.
What we’re looking for
- Previous experience as an Operations Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Production Manager or similar senior manufacturing role
- Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production planning, procurement and supply chain management
- Proven experience implementing Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement, including Kanban and flow optimisation
- Experience with strategic purchasing, international sourcing and offshoring to lower-cost countries
- Demonstrable experience leading, developing and managing manufacturing teams
- Good understanding of stock control, inventory management and cost reduction
- Experience working with ERP/MRP systems
- Strong commercial awareness, problem-solving and budget management skills
- Ability to work effectively in a growing SME manufacturing environment
- Desirable: Sage 50 or CIM50, ISO quality systems, and both repeat and project-based manufacturing experience