Operations Manager
Recruiter: Jonathan Lee Recruitment
Location: Somerset
Salary: £85,000 - £100,000
Application date: 10th Aug 2026
We are looking for an experienced Operations Manager to join a leading manufacturing business who are based in Somerset, whilst the working hours are 39 hours per week Monday to Friday, some flexibility will be needed regarding start and finish times.
The role comes with a competitive annual salary, as well as an annual bonus (up to 10%) and a company car allowance.
To be successful in this role, you will have:
• Proven experience in Production, Operations or Site management within a process manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience of leading manufacturing processes and implementing process improvements.
• Experience and/or knowledge with ISO9001 and/or AS9100 quality standards.
• A Bachelor’s or Masters degree in either Engineering, Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering would be highly advantageous, but is not essential.
What You Will Do:
• Develop and execute manufacturing strategies that improve productivity and support business goals as an Operations Manager.
• Own operational performance through clear KPIs, identifying gaps early and ensuring effective corrective actions.
• Lead production planning and production-related maintenance scheduling, helping ensure continuity and efficiency across operations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives such as Lean, Six Sigma-style methods, and process optimisation to reduce waste and enhance quality.
• Collaborate closely across engineering, supply chain, and quality to deliver seamless manufacturing plans and customer requirements.
• Support customer audits and manage queries through to resolution, ensuring robust operational responses and quality outcomes.
What You Will Bring:
• 10 to 15 years’ experience in production or operations management within complex process manufacturing, with strong leadership and planning capability as an Operations Manager.
• Proven experience improving processes and delivering operational results, ideally in precision engineering or manufacturing settings.
• Strong knowledge of production and quality frameworks, with exposure to PFMEA/PPAP/FAIR-type disciplines being advantageous.
• Familiarity with MRP/ERP tools for planning and resource management, helping drive accurate schedules and effective utilisation.
• A safety-first mindset and confidence in managing budgets, resources, and performance in a fast-paced environment.
Desirable Experience:
• Lean Six Sigma Certification (Green Belt or Black Belt preferred).
• Project Management Certification (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP).
• Health and Safety Certification (e.g., NEBOSH, IOSH Managing Safely
This Operations Manager role sits within the manufacturing and engineering industry, supporting advanced, integrated manufacturing solutions for aerospace, defence, and related sectors. The business has a clear focus on quality, process discipline, and continuous improvement, including ISO9002 and AS9100 approvals and accredited capabilities. By stepping into this Operations Manager position, you’ll help strengthen operational performance, enhance customer confidence, and contribute to a culture that values safe, reliable, world-class manufacturing outcomes.