Operations Manager in Lichfield

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Job Description

Operations Manager (m/f/d)

Process Manufacturing | Chemical & Materials Engineering Environment

Location: Lichfield, Staffordshire (Site-based)

• £60,000 – £72,500 basic
• 10% annual bonus
• Company car or car allowance
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Generous company pension
• Private healthcare
• Life assurance

Umbilical Search is supporting a retained assignment for a high-performing, UK-based process manufacturing operation supplying engineered products and materials into multiple market sectors.

Operating from a modern manufacturing facility, this organisation has a strong employee-centric culture. It places genuine value on its people, offering meaningful opportunities for training, development and long-term career progression.

Due to internal promotion and continued growth, we are seeking an Operations Manager to take full day-to-day ownership of site manufacturing operations.

This is a highly visible leadership role, with responsibility for operational performance, workforce engagement and continuous improvement within a stable, well-run manufacturing environment.

The role will suit a hands-on operations and manufacturing leader with strong technical credibility, experience in chemical or process manufacturing environments, and a passion for delivering sustainable, incremental operational improvements through people-led change.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations and drive continuous improvement using structured methodologies (Lean)
• Improve manufacturing standards across workplace organisation, waste reduction and process stability
• Lead problem-solving activity relating to quality, downtime, materials and process variation
• Support the introduction of new equipment, processes and automation
• Deliver KPI performance across SQDCP
• Build strong relationships with the workforce and management team
• Coach, develop and engage frontline leadership and operational teams
• Support cost control, labour efficiency and material optimisation initiatives
• Maintain a strong shop-floor presence and lead by example

Requirements:

• Role: Proven experience in a senior manufacturing leadership role such as Operations Manager, Factory Manager, Plant Manager, Manufacturing Manager or Senior Production Manager
• Experience: Demonstrated success delivering continuous improvement and operational excellence programmes
• Management: Strong people leadership capability, hands-on and with a strong track record in employee engagement and change management
• Sector: Background in process manufacturing with a chemical or materials engineering element
• Qualifications: Suitable engineering, manufacturing, production or scientific qualification; degree preferred but not essential
• Lean / Continuous Improvement experience; Lean Six Sigma Green Belt advantageous
• IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent health & safety qualification

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to make a genuine operational and cultural impact
• Long-term career progression within a growing industrial group
• Focus on process improvement and manufacturing excellence
• People-centric culture with low staff turnover and high engagement

How to apply:

Please click “apply”, or for further information, please contact Ajay Bhella at Umbilical Limited. Alternatively, please email me an up-to-date copy of your CV to ajay@umbilicaladvanced.com

Umbilical Limited is committed to promoting Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace. We act as a neutral third party in the recruitment process, basing our candidate searches on skills and experience.

We do not discriminate based on , gender, sex, relationship status, disability, race, religion/beliefs, or .

If you are interested in applying for this job please press the Apply Button and follow the application process. Energy Jobline wishes you the very best of luck in your next career move.