Operations Manager

Operations Manager
Maldon Area, Essex
Competitive Salary + Bonus Scheme

A highly regarded precision sheet metal fabrication company in Essex is seeking an experienced manufacturing leader to join its senior leadership team. The business has built an excellent reputation for delivering complex fabrication, welding, and engineering solutions to long-standing UK technology customers.

Reporting directly to the MD, this position offers the opportunity to take ownership of a busy manufacturing facility, oversee shop floor activity, develop supervisory capability, and drive continuous improvement across the business.

This is a hands-on leadership role suited to someone who enjoys being close to engineering processes, supporting people, improving systems, and helping a growing organisation achieve its performance and delivery goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily activities across a precision sheet metal fabrication and welding facility.
• Develop and support four Team Leaders, strengthening leadership capability throughout the business.
• Ensure delivery schedules, quality standards, and customer requirements are consistently achieved.
• Work closely with Purchasing, Inspection, Engineering, and Estimating teams to maximise efficiency and workflow.
• Maintain strong customer relationships, acting as a key point of contact for technical and commercial matters.
• Support improvements to planning systems, scheduling processes, ERP utilisation, and wider business systems.
• Identify opportunities to enhance capability through investment in equipment, technology, and process improvements.
• Promote a positive, collaborative culture focused on teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, quality procedures, and industry standards.
• Monitor key performance indicators and report regularly to the MD.

Requirements

• Previous experience in a senior leadership role within manufacturing, engineering, fabrication, or precision engineering environments.
• Strong knowledge of sheet metal fabrication, welding, assembly, and related manufacturing processes.
• Experience leading teams within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to mentor supervisors, team leaders, and developing leaders.
• Experience working directly with customers in technically demanding environments.
• Strong planning, scheduling, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership ability.
• Experience implementing lean manufacturing, continuous improvement initiatives, ERP systems, or business system improvements would be advantageous.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary package
• Performance-related bonus scheme
• 20 days holiday plus bank holidays
• 40-hour working week
• On-site parking
• Long-term opportunity within a well-established and growing engineering business

Keywords: Operations Manager, Manufacturing Leadership, Factory Leadership, Engineering Leadership, Sheet Metal Fabrication, Welding, Precision Engineering, Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, Production Planning, Fabrication, Engineering, Essex

For further information, contact Julia at Prime Appointments or apply via the advert link.

Candidates requiring sponsorship now or in the future will not be considered for this position.