About the Opportunity

Contek Recruitment are working on behalf of a well-established, family-owned manufacturing business with over 90 years of heritage.

The company specialises in bespoke and repeat manufacturing, supported by in-house tooling and a loyal, long-standing customer base. They also deliver larger, special-purpose projects and supply to both UK and international markets.

Due to planned retirement, the business is seeking an ambitious and capable individual to join with a clear succession plan to General Manager, ultimately taking full responsibility for running the company.

This is a rare opportunity to step into a leadership role with genuine long-term progression and ownership-level responsibility.

The Role

This position offers far more than a traditional Operations Manager role, combining operational leadership, customer engagement, and commercial responsibility.

Working closely with the Managing Director, you will take ownership of the day-to-day running of the business, with a structured transition into full leadership.

You will play a key role across operations, pre-production, customer management, and strategic growth, acting as a central link between clients, production, and the wider business.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Production

- Oversee daily operations across production, tooling, and dispatch

- Manage workflow across bespoke and repeat manufacturing orders

- Coordinate production planning, including larger special-purpose projects

- Ensure delivery targets, efficiency, and quality standards are met

- Work closely with manufacturing teams to advise on processes and improvements

- Take responsibility for pre-production activities, from enquiry through to job launch

Customer & Commercial

- Act as a key point of contact for customers from enquiry to delivery

- Interpret engineering drawings and advise clients on product applications

- Support generation of new business and identify growth opportunities

- Manage subcontractors and external suppliers

- Maintain strong client relationships and ensure high levels of service

Leadership & Strategy

- Support the Managing Director in the day-to-day running of the business

- Lead, motivate, and develop a skilled manufacturing team

- Take ownership of site Health & Safety

- Contribute to mid- and long-term strategic planning

- Identify and implement process and operational improvements

About You

Essential:

- Proven experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment

- Strong operational leadership and organisational skills

- Ability to manage both people and production processes

- Strong commercial awareness and customer-facing experience

- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings

- Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills

- A proactive, hands-on approach with strong problem-solving ability within a small team of 10

Desirable:

- Apprentice-trained or qualified in an engineering discipline

- Toolmaking or machining background

- Experience in bespoke or low-volume manufacturing environments

- Knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes

- Exposure to export or international supply

The Opportunity

- Clear and genuine pathway to General Manager

- Opportunity to take over the running of a successful, long-established business

- Structured handover with the current Managing Director

- A varied role combining operations, sales, leadership, and strategy

- Long-term career stability with significant progression potential

Who This Would Suit

- An experienced Operations Manager ready to step into a senior leadership role

- A Production Manager or Senior Engineer seeking progression into management

- A commercially aware individual with ambitions to eventually run a business

Benefits

* Monday-Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm

* Friday: 8:00am - 1:00pm

* 28 days holiday rising to 34 with service (including bank holidays)

* Free on-site parking