Operations Manager

Vacancy: Operations Manager Location: Evesham & Ledbury, UK Contract: Permanent Reporting to: Plant General Manager About the Role We are seeking an exceptional Operations Manager to lead and transform manufacturing operations across two key UK sites. This is a senior leadership role, reporting to the Plant General Manager, with full accountability for production, continuous improvement, engineering, and overall operational excellence. As part of the Senior Management Team, you will drive strategy execution, lead high-performing teams, and ensure operational targets are met while promoting a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement. Key Responsibilities Senior Management & Strategy Contribute to setting and delivering the overall business strategy Provide clear, timely communications on operational performance and improvement initiatives Be a visible and accessible leader - lead by example, foster engagement, and build trust across the businessOperations & Production Develop and implement continuous improvement plans across both sites Optimise production processes to maximise quality, output, and minimise waste Deliver key capital investment projects and manage operational budgets Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, safety, quality, and environmental standards Maintain robust management information systems and KPI trackingEngineering & Technical Excellence Improve machine reliability and operational efficiency Lead cross-functional initiatives to reduce downtime, improve waste reduction, and support engineering projectsTeam Development Develop team members through coaching, performance reviews, and succession planning Set and monitor improvement targets for individuals and departments Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance culture Candidate Profile Essential Qualifications & Experience: Proven senior Operations Management experience in fast-paced manufacturing Experience in flexible packaging is desirable but not essential Hands-on knowledge and implementation of Lean and Continuous Improvement methodologies (Six Sigma, Kaizen) Strong business acumen and operational strategy experience Degree in a science, technology, or engineering discipline preferredSkills & Attributes: Inspirational, accessible, and visible leader Strong analytical, structured, and solutions-oriented approach Excellent people management and communication skills Collaborative and inclusive mindset Ambitious, results-driven, and detail-orientedDesirable: Working knowledge of SAP Experience in packaging manufacturing What We Offer Competitive base salary Car allowance or company car Bonus: up to 15-30% (structure to be confirmed) Pension, professional membership support, and other benefits Hybrid working opportunities Opportunity to lead transformation in a high-profile, innovative manufacturing environment Why This Role? This is a rare opportunity to lead operations across multiple manufacturing sites within an industry-leading business. You will have the autonomy to implement change, develop your team, and shape operational performance while delivering measurable improvements in efficiency, quality, and productivity. Apply now to take a pivotal role in transforming operations and driving excellence across two UK sites