Operations Manager - progression to Operations Director

£65,000pa (DOE)

Bolton

Permanent

ASAP start date

I am recruiting for an exciting Manufacturing business based in Bolton, who are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to join their team on a permanent basis. This role will have progression into an Operations Director position in the next few years, offering an excellent career path for a motivated individual who can drive operational excellence across all areas. This is a newly created position, so is a great opportunity to mould and shape the departments and really have an impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Overseeing several key departments - Production, Engineering, Purchasing & Warehouse
• Warehouse & Manufacturing oversight, distribution management, stock and materials control and team leadership
• Lead production planning to ensure timely in-house manufacturing and distribution, evaluating the most cost-effective mix of in-house and external production to meet sales demand.
• Plan and allocate labour resources efficiently to maximise productivity and output.

• Collaborate with R&D, Quality, and Purchasing teams to introduce new product ranges, optimise manufacturing processes, and improve assembly methods.
• Regularly review "Make or Buy" decisions in partnership with Purchasing to ensure an effective and reliable supply chain.
• Work closely with other department heads to create seamless, integrated operational processes.
• Contribute to budgeting and operational management, identifying opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement across the department.

• Oversee the engineering function, ensuring product development supports operational goals.
• Maintain all company VCA accreditations, ensuring compliance and documentation are current.
• Implement production engineering strategies that enhance efficiency and reduce reliance on manual labour.
• Support the development and implementation of an ISO-compliant management system.
• Ensure all team members work safely and maintain a hazard-free workplace through risk assessments and health & safety protocols.

• Ensure sales dispatch targets and customer delivery expectations are consistently met.
• Organise the storage, movement, and distribution of goods in the most cost-effective and efficient way.
• Monitor stock levels, order schedules, and transportation daily to maintain smooth operations.
• Optimise the use of external transport resources and manage warehouse capacity efficiently.
• Maintain accurate stock inventories, implement quality checks, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Enforce cost control measures across the warehouse and distribution function.

The ideal candidate will have the following skills, experience and attributes:

• Previous Operations Leadership experience within Manufacturing or Engineering
• A degree in Engineering or similar would be advantageous but is not essential - this client is more interested in experience
• A people-centric leader, who can engage and motivate teams efficiently and provide clear direction
• Someone who is happy to get under the skin of the business and be hands on (not on the tools), willing to get stuck in
• Previous experience in improving processes and efficiencies
• Experience working on ERP systems

In return, you will receive:

• A salary of circa £65,000pa, however the client will pay more for the right candidate
• 32 days holiday including bank holidays
• Onsite parking
• Excellent progression opportunities, clear direction to achieve Director title
• Great company culture, growing business
• 38 hours per week Monday - Friday

Interested in this role? Please click apply now and I will be in touch if your application has been successful!

Butler Rose is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.
Butler Rose Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.