CATALYST
Durham, County Durham
My client is a leading technology business based in the North East of England. Reporting to the Operations Director, my client seeks a proactive and results-oriented Operations Manager to lead their manufacturing operations, with a strong focus on production efficiency, quality leadership, and continuous improvement. About the role The Operations Manager will be responsible for managing the end-to-end production and quality functions, ensuring high-performance operations that meet safety, quality, cost, and delivery goals. Main Responsibilities Lead and manage all manufacturing operations, ensuring efficient workflow, resource optimisation, and achievement of production KPIs (output, OEE, downtime, on-time delivery). Drive best practices in production scheduling, capacity planning, and materials flow to support customer demand and inventory control. Directly lead the Quality function, including quality engineers, inspectors, and technicians. Ensure full compliance with industry standards and customer-specific requirements. Oversee internal and external audits, corrective and preventive action programs, and quality training initiatives. Drive the implementation of a Quality Management System (QMS) that supports operational excellence and customer satisfaction. Champion the use of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Kaizen principles to drive process improvements and waste reduction. Lead and facilitate cross-functional improvement projects focused on yield, cycle time, cost, and defect reduction. Embed a culture of continuous improvement and problem-solving across both operations and quality teams. Recruit, lead, and develop a high-performing team across operations and quality. Set clear objectives, monitor performance, and foster accountability at all levels. Promote a culture of safety, quality, and engagement through effective leadership and communication. Work closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, and Product Management teams to support new product introductions, change control, and production scaling. Align operations and quality activities with strategic business goals and customer requirements. About you The ideal candidate will bring a demonstrated ability to improve manufacturing outcomes, lead quality systems and teams, and deliver tangible improvements through structured continuous improvement methodologies. You will possess demonstrable experience gained in Operations Management within a technology or precision manufacturing based setting. You will be a highly visible and active manager who gains buy in from the shop floor to Director level. A natural problem solver, you thrive being away from your desk, regularly interfacing with all other departments. Key selection criteria Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related technical field. Demonstrable experience in operations leadership within a technology or precision manufacturing environment. Proven leadership of a Quality function, including ISO 9001 compliance, audit readiness, and QMS deployment. Strong background in process improvement, lean tools (5S, VSM, SMED), and Six Sigma methodologies. Experience with ERP/MRP systems and data-driven performance management. Excellent communication, team building, and leadership skills. Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification Working knowledge of digital manufacturing tools and Industry 4.0 principles. Familiarity with customer audit protocols and supplier quality management.
My client is a leading technology business based in the North East of England. Reporting to the Operations Director, my client seeks a proactive and results-oriented Operations Manager to lead their manufacturing operations, with a strong focus on production efficiency, quality leadership, and continuous improvement. About the role The Operations Manager will be responsible for managing the end-to-end production and quality functions, ensuring high-performance operations that meet safety, quality, cost, and delivery goals. Main Responsibilities Lead and manage all manufacturing operations, ensuring efficient workflow, resource optimisation, and achievement of production KPIs (output, OEE, downtime, on-time delivery). Drive best practices in production scheduling, capacity planning, and materials flow to support customer demand and inventory control. Directly lead the Quality function, including quality engineers, inspectors, and technicians. Ensure full compliance with industry standards and customer-specific requirements. Oversee internal and external audits, corrective and preventive action programs, and quality training initiatives. Drive the implementation of a Quality Management System (QMS) that supports operational excellence and customer satisfaction. Champion the use of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Kaizen principles to drive process improvements and waste reduction. Lead and facilitate cross-functional improvement projects focused on yield, cycle time, cost, and defect reduction. Embed a culture of continuous improvement and problem-solving across both operations and quality teams. Recruit, lead, and develop a high-performing team across operations and quality. Set clear objectives, monitor performance, and foster accountability at all levels. Promote a culture of safety, quality, and engagement through effective leadership and communication. Work closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, and Product Management teams to support new product introductions, change control, and production scaling. Align operations and quality activities with strategic business goals and customer requirements. About you The ideal candidate will bring a demonstrated ability to improve manufacturing outcomes, lead quality systems and teams, and deliver tangible improvements through structured continuous improvement methodologies. You will possess demonstrable experience gained in Operations Management within a technology or precision manufacturing based setting. You will be a highly visible and active manager who gains buy in from the shop floor to Director level. A natural problem solver, you thrive being away from your desk, regularly interfacing with all other departments. Key selection criteria Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related technical field. Demonstrable experience in operations leadership within a technology or precision manufacturing environment. Proven leadership of a Quality function, including ISO 9001 compliance, audit readiness, and QMS deployment. Strong background in process improvement, lean tools (5S, VSM, SMED), and Six Sigma methodologies. Experience with ERP/MRP systems and data-driven performance management. Excellent communication, team building, and leadership skills. Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification Working knowledge of digital manufacturing tools and Industry 4.0 principles. Familiarity with customer audit protocols and supplier quality management.
