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 on 01702 464444 or email louise.sand@121personnel.co.uk — we’d love to hear from you!
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