Operations Manager Recruitment

What the role involves

• Overseeing all production operations, maintenance, and quality functions across the site, setting KPI frameworks for each function and reviewing performance data weekly with department heads
• Managing departmental budgets and driving structured cost reduction initiatives, including building the business case for capital investment and presenting cost-benefit analysis to the board
• Leading senior production and engineering managers as direct reports, holding regular one-to-ones, setting clear performance expectations, and developing succession depth within the operational management team
• Developing and implementing operational strategy aligned with business objectives and customer commitments
• Driving continuous improvement and lean manufacturing programmes across all operational functions
• Managing customer relationships and ensuring on-time delivery performance across the product range

Who employers are looking for

Employers hiring operations managers expect a proven track record of leading multi-department manufacturing operations, not just production. Candidates who have only ever managed production teams directly tend to struggle with the step up to operations manager, where maintenance, quality, and logistics accountability demand broader operational judgement.

A degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or Business is preferred, but substantial experience leading complex manufacturing environments carries equal weight with most hirers. Lean or Six Sigma credentials at Green Belt or Black Belt level are standard expectations. ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or AS9100 system experience is expected in regulated sectors. A NEBOSH General Certificate or equivalent covers the health and safety dimension of the role.

Personality matters at this level. Operations managers who can hold a production floor accountable while building trust with senior management and customers consistently outperform those who manage purely through authority.

In aerospace and defence, the distinction between a competent production manager and a credible operations manager comes down to AS9100 or AQAP system experience at a management level, not just awareness. Regulated sectors expect the operations manager to own the interface with certification bodies and customers during audits, not to delegate it. Food and FMCG employers will ask specifically about managing operations across BRC or retailer standard audit windows.

Commercial literacy is the clearest differentiator between mid-career and senior operations manager candidates. Senior hires can read a P&L and connect operational decisions to margin outcomes. They understand what a 1% OEE improvement means in throughput revenue, and they can communicate that to a finance director. Candidates who have been involved in annual budgeting, capex justification, and customer contract negotiations are consistently preferred for senior appointments.

Salary benchmarks

Automotive and aerospace operations managers command a premium. Operations managers with full site P&L and multi-shift responsibility in larger manufacturers typically earn £70,000 - £90,000. Smaller SMEs pay towards the lower end of the range.

Industries that hire Operations Managers

• General manufacturing: multi-department site management across mixed-mode and job-shop environments, with the operations manager often holding the broadest accountability on site below MD level
• Food and FMCG: high-complexity multi-line operations with demanding hygiene and compliance requirements, where the operations manager must maintain output targets without compromising food safety standards under audit
• Aerospace and defence: regulated manufacturing environments where quality and delivery failure carry commercial and reputational cost, with the operations manager accountable for OTIF performance to OEM customers directly
• Chemicals and pharmaceuticals: process-driven operations where EHS and GMP compliance sit alongside cost and output
• Engineering and precision manufacturing: job shop and flow line environments with diverse customer requirements

Related roles

• Plant Manager: full site P&L accountability, the natural progression from operations manager in larger manufacturing businesses
• Production Manager: operational foundation role that feeds the pipeline for operations manager appointments
• Continuous Improvement Engineer: key technical partner, delivering the structured improvement programmes that operations managers sponsor
• Maintenance Manager: critical direct report in most operations manager structures, responsible for plant reliability

Where we place Operations Manager professionals

We place operations manager professionals across the UK. Browse by location or register your CV for roles that match your experience.