Operations Manager

Rayleigh | Multi-Site | £65,000 – £70,000 + Discretionary Bonus | Pool Car Provided | Monday to Friday | 9am to 5pm

The Role

We are recruiting for an experienced Operations Manager to take full operational ownership of a well-established manufacturing business operating across two sites, Rayleigh, Essex and Letchworth, Hertfordshire.

This is a hands-on leadership role overseeing production, supply chain, buying/sourcing, finance oversight, customer service and compliance. The successful candidate will report directly to the Managing Director and play a key role in driving operational performance and business sustainability.

To be considered for this role - To be considered for this role, candidates must have a minimum of 3 years’ UK-based experience in a senior manufacturing or operations leadership position. An engineering background is preferred, however applicants must, at minimum, have significant senior-level experience within a manufacturing environment.

You must also have hands-on experience with ERP systems and/or Xero accounting software, along with a proven track record of managing end-to-end operations including production, stock control, supply chain, and budget oversight.

** Applicants who do not meet these essential criteria will not be considered.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage manufacturing operations across two sites
• Oversee Production Manager and operational teams
• Drive production planning to meet delivery targets
• Manage stock control and procurement processes
• Implement KPIs and continuous improvement initiatives
• Ensure compliance with medical/regulatory quality standards (QMS)
• Liaise with QA/RA consultants and support audits
• Oversee budgets, financial decisions, invoice and payroll processes
• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers and customers
• Work closely with senior leadership and parent company

Essential Must-Have Experience

• Senior leadership experience within a manufacturing/production environment
• Proven experience managing end-to-end operations (procurement to finished product)
• Strong stock control and supply chain management background
• Experience using Unleashed ERP and/or Xero
• Financial oversight experience (budgets, cost control, operational spend)
• Experience implementing KPIs and driving operational improvements
• Willingness to travel regularly between two sites

Desirable Experience

• Experience in regulated industries
• Experience working with Quality Management Systems and audits
• Lean/continuous improvement exposure
• Multi-site management experience

Candidate Profile

• Strong operational leader with commercial awareness
• Confident managing cross-functional teams
• Excellent communicator and stakeholder manager
• Highly organised with strong IT proficiency (MS Office essential)
• Degree educated or equivalent business experience

Package

• £65,000 – £70,000 base salary, depending on experience
• Annual bonus
• Pool car provided for site travel
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Private Healthcare
• Pension
• Long-term opportunity within a growing business

Ready to take on a leadership role with real operational impact? Apply today by contacting Louise at 121 Personnel or email your CV — we’d love to hear from you!