Jobs, fresher vacancy - Operations Manager • South West England

Company: JMT Engineering Recruitment Ltd

South West England

Operations Manager - Plymouth Excellent Salary + Bonus + Benefits A well-established manufacturing business in Plymouth is seeking an experienced Operations Manager or emerging Operations Director to join its leadership team. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys being close to the operation, balancing strategic thinking with a hands-on leadership style. The successful candidate will lead operational activities across the site, ensuring the efficient and high-quality manufacture of a diverse product range while driving continuous improvement across people, systems and processes. The business is part of a wider international group and offers the opportunity for someone to make a visible impact on the site, shape operational strategy and grow with the wider organisation over time. The Role You will lead the operational functions of the site including production and manufacturing teams, ensuring operational performance across safety, quality, delivery and cost. The role will focus heavily on operational improvement, performance management and people engagement, helping the site move towards world-class manufacturing standards while maintaining a strong culture of collaboration and accountability. Key aspects of the role include: Leading production and manufacturing operations across the siteManaging multiple operational and improvement projects simultaneouslyDriving continuous improvement initiatives and embedding Lean and operational excellence principlesDeveloping and managing operational KPIs including OEE, quality, efficiency and delivery performanceImplementing and developing world-class manufacturing and TPM principlesWorking closely with engineering and support functions to improve production performanceDeveloping teams, improving engagement and ensuring employees are aligned with site objectivesCreating a culture where people feel empowered to contribute to operational improvementsEnsuring high standards of health, safety and quality across the operation About You Proven experience in a senior operations or production leadership role within manufacturingStrong background in continuous improvement, Lean manufacturing or operational excellenceExperience implementing world-class manufacturing, TPM or structured improvement programmesExcellent understanding of operational KPIs and performance management systemsComfortable managing multiple operational projects and priorities simultaneouslyA hands-on leadership style, with the credibility to engage directly with teams on the shop floorStrong interpersonal skills with the ability to bring people with you and build trust across teams This role offers a genuine opportunity for someone who enjoys transforming operations, developing teams and making a lasting impact within a manufacturing business. For the right individual, it provides the chance to put a real stamp on the operation and play a key role in the future development of the site within a growing international group.