Operations Manager

• Chesterfield
• £60,000 - £65,000 + Bonus + Excellent Benefits

A leading industrial manufacturing business is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to join its Chesterfield site. This is a critical leadership role for a strategic, forward-thinking operator who can drive efficiencies and optimise performance.

Experience working within a manufacturing and/or hazardous environment (e.g. heavy industry, chemicals, engineering, etc.) is required for this position. Applicants without this experience will not be shortlisted.

The client has noted that a willingess to support with night shifts and occasional weekend work is required - not often but a willingess to support with this is essential.

The Role:
Reporting into the General Manager, you will take ownership of the site's operational performance, focusing on strategic improvement, efficiency gains, and team development.

Key Responsibilities:
Strategic & Operational Improvement

• Develop and implement strategies to improve operational efficiency, productivity, and throughput
• Identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies, driving continuous improvement across all processes
• Analyse performance data and introduce initiatives to reduce cycle times and improve output
• Optimise production processes and ensure best-in-class operational standards

Leadership & Team Development

• Create a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement
• Get the best out of your team by coaching, mentoring, and driving performance standards
• Work collaboratively with Production and Supervisory teams to raise overall capability
• Identify and develop future talent, supporting succession planning across the site

Performance & Commercial Focus

• Set, track, and improve KPIs including throughput, utilisation, downtime, and quality
• Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives across energy, materials, and processes
• Ensure operational performance supports overall profitability targets
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers and internal stakeholders

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Promote and lead a strong safety-first culture across the site
• Ensure all operations meet Health & Safety and environmental standards
• Conduct regular audits and proactively address risks and behaviours
• Work closely with H&S teams to maintain training, compliance, and reporting standards

About You

• Proven experience in an operations or production leadership role
• A strategic thinker with a track record of improving efficiencies and driving change
• Strong leadership capability with the ability to engage, develop, and maximise team performance
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, 6S, Kaizen, etc.)
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and drive decisions

Desirable:

• IOSH or equivalent Health & Safety qualification
• Background in heavy industry or process-driven manufacturing

What's on Offer

• Salary up to £65,000 (DOE)
• Bonus up to 9%
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Share Save Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• On-site Mental Health First Aid support
• Death in Service (3x salary)
• Discounts & savings platform