Engineer the Quantum RevolutionYour expertise can help us shape the future of quantum computing at Oxford Ionics.

View Open Roles

Operations Manager

Darwen
1 month ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Greenspace Operations Manager

Plant Operations Manager (METALS/AEROSPACE)

Technical Service Manager - Government Satellite Communication (Royal Navy Comms)

Key Account Manager, Aerospace, Europe

Key Account Manager (Aerospace / Europe)

Business Development Manager

Operations Manager / Head of Operations
Competitive + Benefits
Darwen
Days Only
gap technical are proud to be representing this manufacturing business in their search for a Operations Manager to work at their facility based near Darwen
Performance Objectives

Own the monthly SIOP process to align demand forecasting, capacity planning, material levels, and resource allocation.
Develop and execute processes to meet company goals, focusing on quality, safety, and performance metrics.
Direct and coordinate manufacturing operations to meet production schedules, cost targets, and quality standards.
Drive performance with continuous improvement to increase productivity and utilisation whilst reducing scrap.
Collaborating with the CEO on operational initiatives, in line with customer requirements.
Identify and implement technology solutions to improve operational efficiency.
Reinforce the importance for the standard of work, and adherence to core manufacturing principles and driving the discipline of the processes within operations.
Specifically driving OTD/OTIF, utilisation and efficiency.
Overseeing the load and capacity, working with planning to ensure the data is analysed. Liaising with the operations team to ensure they have the levels of resource to fulfil this.
Utilising the operations team to the best ability, identifying the use of skillsets to fulfil production requirements on time.
Optimise planning and lead times while ensuring readiness to support demand volatility.
Implement workflows to improve operational efficiency, reducing cost and increase throughput.
Driving the data driven KPI's to fully optimise the operational efficiency.
Ensure all operations comply with regulations, safety standards and internal policies.
Lead risk management efforts and develop contingency plans for operational disruptions.
Maintain a safe working environment and lead health and safety.
Ensure compliance with the quality and aerospace regulations such as NADCAP, ISO9001 etc with the support of the quality assurance team.
Driving the non-conformance in resolving these and planning for resolutions.
Develop and lead a high-performing operations team across multiple departments and shifts.
Foster a culture of continuous improvement, focusing on the tactful aspects within operations.
Drive accountability and operational excellence throughout the team to succeed.
Develop a long-term workforce plan that supports growth, succession and evolution. Review skillsets to ensure agility and scalability.
Establish clear expectations and conduct regular reviews/team meetings providing feedback to the operational team.Person Specification

Time served industry professional
10+ years in an equivalent role/environment
A proven track record of driving operational excellence
Aerospace manufacturing experience
Strong understanding of the company's industry and operational dynamics
Demonstrable experience in an advanced manufacturing environment
Demonstrate experience in "decision making" roles
Previous experience with KPI's, being target driven whilst supporting continuous improvementApply
Please send your CV via the Apply now option on the website
If you have any questions or are interested in any other opportunities we may have, please do not hesitate to get in touch
This vacancy is being advertised on behalf of gap technical who are operating as an employment agency.
gap technical are committed to the selection, recruitment and development of the best people, basing judgements solely on suitability for the job.
Closing Date: 09/08/2025
"By applying for the above position and providing your personal data to us you understand that your data will be processed in line with our Privacy Policy

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Seasonal Hiring Peaks for Space Industry Jobs: The Best Months to Apply & Why

The UK's space industry has emerged as one of Europe's most strategically vital and technologically advanced sectors, with roles spanning from junior satellite engineers to principal spacecraft scientists and heads of space systems development. With space positions commanding salaries from £32,000 for graduate aerospace engineers to £135,000+ for senior space systems architects, understanding when organisations actively recruit can dramatically accelerate your career progression in this extraordinary and rapidly evolving field. Unlike traditional aerospace roles, space industry hiring follows distinct patterns influenced by launch windows, government space initiatives, and satellite constellation deployment schedules. The sector's unique combination of advanced aerospace engineering, orbital mechanics, and space systems integration creates predictable hiring windows that strategic professionals can leverage to advance their careers in building tomorrow's spacecraft and satellite technologies. This comprehensive guide explores the optimal timing for space industry job applications in the UK, examining how national space strategies, academic research cycles, and space technology initiatives influence recruitment patterns, and why strategic timing can determine whether you join a cutting-edge space development team or miss the opportunity to develop the next generation of satellites and space exploration systems.

Pre-Employment Checks for UK Space Jobs Jobs: DBS, References & Right-to-Work and more Explained

The space industry represents one of the most strategically significant and technologically advanced sectors in modern aerospace, with space professionals playing crucial roles in developing satellite systems, advancing space exploration technologies, and transforming applications from Earth observation and telecommunications to space manufacturing and planetary exploration. As the space sector experiences unprecedented growth through commercial space ventures and national space programmes, pre-employment screening processes have become increasingly sophisticated and security-focused. Space careers span diverse environments from satellite manufacturers and launch service providers to space agencies, Earth observation companies, and emerging space tourism operators. Each sector brings unique screening requirements reflecting the strategic sensitivity of space technologies, the mission-critical nature of space systems, and the critical importance of maintaining both national security standards and operational reliability. Understanding space industry pre-employment screening helps professionals navigate career opportunities effectively whilst enabling employers to identify candidates capable of contributing to space innovation whilst maintaining appropriate security standards, mission assurance protocols, and technical excellence. The screening processes examine not only technical space competencies but also security clearance eligibility, systems engineering capabilities, and ability to work effectively within the highly regulated space ecosystem. This comprehensive guide examines the full spectrum of pre-employment screening practices across space careers, from basic right-to-work verification through enhanced security clearance processes, technical competency assessment, and industry-specific requirements. Whether pursuing opportunities in satellite engineering, launch systems development, space science research, or space operations management, understanding these screening processes enables space professionals to prepare effectively and advance their careers successfully. The space sector's unique combination of cutting-edge technology, mission-critical reliability, and strategic importance creates screening requirements that reflect both the technical demands of space systems engineering and the security considerations of nationally strategic technologies. These processes ultimately support the continued advancement of the space industry by ensuring high professional standards and technical competence necessary for successful space missions and responsible space technology development.

Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Launch Your Career in Space: The UK's Cosmic Revolution

The United Kingdom stands at the forefront of a space revolution that's fundamentally transforming how we communicate globally, navigate precisely, monitor our planet's climate, and explore the cosmos beyond Earth. From the advanced satellite technologies developed by British companies powering global communications networks to the revolutionary space propulsion systems enabling deep space missions, the UK's leadership in space technology, satellite manufacturing, and space services has created an unprecedented demand for skilled space professionals that dramatically exceeds the current talent supply. If you've been seeking a career at the final frontier of human exploration or looking to position yourself in one of the most strategically critical and inspirational sectors of the modern economy, space represents an extraordinary opportunity. The convergence of NewSpace commercialization, satellite mega-constellation deployment, space manufacturing advancement, and interplanetary exploration acceleration has created perfect conditions for space career success.