Manufacturing Operations Manager

The Company:

• A well-established, privately owned chemical manufacturing company with over 30 years’ experience supplying specialist materials into industrial markets. Recognised for quality, technical capability and customer service, the business continues to invest in its operations, people and long-term growth.
• The business are seeking an experienced and hands-on Operations Manager to lead manufacturing, production, warehousing and operational activity across a busy Greater Manchester site.
• Reporting directly to the Managing Director and forming part of the Management Team, this is a key leadership role focused on driving operational performance, developing teams and embedding a high-performing culture centred around safety, quality, customer service and continuous improvement.
• This role requires a visible and credible leader who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and can deliver measurable improvements through strong leadership, operational discipline and operational best practice.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead day-to-day manufacturing, production, warehousing and operational activity across the site
• Drive performance across Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery and Productivity targets
• Improve OTIF performance in line with customer and production requirements
• Provide visible, hands-on leadership within the production environment
• Develop teams through coaching, mentoring and performance management
• Drive operational efficiency and continuous improvement initiatives
• Monitor KPIs and implement corrective actions to improve performance
• Support engineering, maintenance planning and operational reliability activities
• Promote a proactive Health & Safety culture and ensure operational compliance
• Work collaboratively with Sales, Technical, Planning, Purchasing and Logistics to support business growth

About You:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience within a manufacturing or industrial operations leadership role
• Strong hands-on leadership style with the ability to motivate and engage teams
• Proven experience improving operational performance and driving measurable change
• Strong understanding of Health & Safety legislation and operational compliance
• Excellent communication, organisation and problem-solving skills
• IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent qualification preferred
• Lean Manufacturing / Continuous Improvement experience advantageous
• Experience within polymer processing, compounding, extrusion, plastics, masterbatch or a related manufacturing environment would be highly beneficial

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