An established and highly respected engineering manufacturer is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead a critical forging operation within a fast-paced, heavy engineering environment.

This is a senior leadership opportunity where you'll take full ownership of performance across safety, quality, delivery, and cost. Driving a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

The Opportunity

You'll be responsible for the day-to-day leadership of a complex forging operation, ensuring production targets are met while continuously improving processes, performance, and team capability.

Working closely with senior leadership, you'll play a key role in shaping strategy, improving efficiencies, and delivering world-class manufacturing performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and embed a proactive Health & Safety culture, driving compliance and accountability
• Deliver against production plans, KPIs, and customer delivery targets
• Manage resource planning and scheduling to meet operational demands
• Drive quality improvements, ensuring right-first-time performance
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions across operational issues
• Control and improve cost performance, including waste and scrap reduction
• Champion continuous improvement (Lean, 6S, OEE, TPM)
• Develop, coach, and lead high-performing teams
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure smooth operational delivery
• Work closely with maintenance to minimise downtime and improve asset performance

Leadership & Culture

• Build and lead a culture of ownership, accountability, and teamwork
• Engage, motivate, and develop teams to achieve operational excellence
• Deliver clear and consistent communication across all levels
• Drive performance through strong leadership and structured development

About You

• Proven experience as an Operations Manager / Production Manager within heavy engineering or manufacturing
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of developing high-performing teams
• Experience with continuous improvement tools and methodologies
• Strong understanding of KPI management, cost control, and process optimisation
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and engineering data
• A proactive, hands-on leader with strong problem-solving ability
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Engineering qualification preferred (or equivalent experience)

Working Hours

• Monday - Thursday: 8:00am - 4:15pm
• Friday: 8:00am - 3:00pm

Why Apply?

• Join a well-established and forward-thinking engineering business
• Take ownership of a key operational area with real influence
• Drive continuous improvement and make a tangible impact
• Enjoy a strong work-life balance with early Friday finishes
• Competitive salary and long-term career potential

If you're an experienced operations leader ready to take ownership of a high-impact manufacturing environment, we'd love to hear from you.