Client:
Our client is an established international company operating in the industrial manufacturing and engineering sector. The organization focuses on the development and production of specialized technical components used in energy, infrastructure, and industrial applications.
Known for its emphasis on quality, innovation, and operational excellence, the company delivers high-performance solutions tailored to customer requirements. In addition to manufacturing capabilities, it provides technical expertise and support to clients across various markets worldwide.
With a strong global footprint and a diverse workforce, the organization is committed to continuous improvement, long-term partnerships, and delivering reliable solutions that meet evolving industry needs.
About position:
The Operations Manager role is a senior leadership position with full responsibility for the performance of the local operations. The position combines hands-on operational leadership with a strong focus on manufacturing turnaround, operational excellence, and driving sustainable performance improvement.
The role requires a hands-on leader with a strong "change agent" and "builder mindset", capable of driving step-change improvements, and elevating the organization to a higher level of performance. The candidate will be responsible not only for managing daily operations, but for actively transforming them — optimizing operational output, strengthening accountability, and embedding a high-performance culture across the organization.
Working closely with the Plant Manager and senior leadership, this role offers the opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future development of an established and strategically important manufacturing platform with strong further growth potential.
Key Responsibilities:
Full Operational Leadership:
- Lead and manage end-to-end operations, covering the full industrial value chain including production, quality, maintenance, and planning
- Ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations, with full accountability for output, quality, and delivery performance
- Maintain a strong, highly visible on-site presence on the shop floor, actively engaging with plant operations and frontline teams to drive execution and accountability
Manufacturing Turnaround & Performance Improvement:
- Lead and execute the manufacturing turnaround strategy and operational recovery plans
- Identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and waste within production processes
- Lead and participate in cross-functional problem solving initiatives and improvement task forces
- Drive operational discipline and consistency across all production areas
- Ensure sustainable improvements are implemented and maintained
Production & Operational Excellence:
- Drive performance across technology-driven manufacturing processes involving advanced furnaces, kilns, and production equipment
- Improve OEE, throughput, scrap reduction, cost efficiency, and On-Time Delivery
- Ensure alignment between production planning, capacity, and customer demand
Inventory & Systems Implementation:
- Oversee inventory management and control across the operation
- Drive the implementation and optimization of Microsoft Business Central as the core ERP system, continuing ongoing initiatives to strengthen inventory accuracy and operational visibility
- Lead, coach, and support supervisors and frontline employees
- Strengthen accountability, performance culture, and leadership capabilities across the site
- Foster a culture of ownership, teamwork, and continuous improvement
- Support employee training, development, and succession planning efforts
- Promote employee engagement and participation in operational improvement initiatives
Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence:
- Act as a hands-on change leader, driving operational optimization and performance improvement
- Support the implementation of Integrated Production Systems (IPS) and Operational Excellence methodologies
- Drive initiatives focused on improving efficiency, reducing waste, and increasing productivity
- Promote process standardization, consistency, and adherence to best practices
- Encourage a culture of continuous improvement through employee involvement and data-driven decision making
Expansion & Capital Projects:
- Support expansion projects and machinery upgrades
- Ensure operational readiness for increased production capacity
- Contribute to the strategic development of the site within the broader group structure
Preconditions:
- Proven leadership experience in a manufacturing, production, or operations environment
- Demonstrated experience managing shop floor operations and daily production activities
- Strong understanding of H&S principles, manufacturing processes, and operational performance metrics (OEE, productivity, scrap, OTD)
- Experience supporting operational transformation, turnaround, or continuous improvement initiatives required
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, Six Sigma, or related methodologies (preferred)
Personal Attributes:
- Hands-on, execution-oriented leadership style with a highly visible, Gemba-focused management approach
- Strong business acumen with a focus on performance and results
- Change agent mindset with the ability to challenge, reshape, and improve existing structures
- High energy, proactive, and results-oriented approach
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
- Ability to thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure manufacturing environments
- Excellent communication and team engagement skills
- Practical, direct, and solution-oriented mindset
- Strong organizational and execution capabilities
- Resilient, adaptable, and committed to achieving results
- Ability to build credibility and drive accountability at all levels of the organization
Pay: $120,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
