Secondary Operations Manager

Company: Blue Arrow
Apply for the Secondary Operations Manager
Location: Lancashire
Job Description:

The Secondary Operations Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating allsecondary manufacturing activities, ensuring that grinding, process operations, and specialproducts are delivered safely, on time, to quality standards, and in line with productionpriorities. The role combines hands‑on leadership with planning, problem‑solving, andcontinuous improvement in a medium manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & People Management

  • Lead, supervise, and motivate the Secondary Operations team, including Grinding and Special Products.
  • Allocate labour and resources to meet daily and weekly production plans.
  • Provide on‑the‑job training, mentoring, and support to operators.
  • Conduct performance reviews and support skills development and cross‑training.
  • Promote a positive, disciplined, and safety‑focused working culture.

Production & Planning

  • Execute the production plan for secondary operations in line with customer requirements and production schedules.
  • Coordinate closely with the Production Manager and other team leaders to manage priorities and workflow.
  • Monitor output, efficiency, and downtime, taking corrective action where required.
  • Ensure smooth handover between primary manufacturing and secondary operations.

Quality & Process Control

  • Ensure all secondary operations meet internal and customer quality standards.
  • Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for non‑conformances.
  • Ensure process controls, work instructions, and inspection checks are followed.
  • Work closely with Quality and Engineering on new or special product requirements.

Health, Safety & Housekeeping

  • Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental requirements.
  • Carry out risk assessments and ensure safe working practices are followed.
  • Maintain high standards of housekeeping and 5S within the department.
  • Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, and cost within secondary operations.
  • Support lean manufacturing initiatives and waste reduction activities.
  • Contribute to process standardisation and best practice sharing.

Key Skills & Experience

  • Previous supervisory or team leader experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • Strong understanding of secondary manufacturing processes (grinding, finishing, or similar).
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
  • Good problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
  • Strong communication skills, able to lead a small team effectively.
  • Comfortable working in a hands‑on leadership role.
  • Knowledge of special or low‑volume product manufacturing.
  • Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience.
  • Basic understanding of quality systems (ISO 9001 or similar).

Qualifications

  • Engineering or manufacturing‑related qualification (desirable).
  • Health & Safety or supervisory training (advantageous but not essential).

If you feel this role is for you please reach out to myself at Blue Arrow !

Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.

#J-18808-Ljbffr…

Posted: March 22nd, 2026