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Operations Manager

Job Posted: 16 days ago

Salary: £ 55,000 - 65,000 / Annum
Job Type: Permanent
Location: CM13, Hutton, Essex

Expire in: 11 days

Job Description

About the Opportunity

Contek Recruitment are working on behalf of a well-established, family-owned manufacturing business with over 90 years of heritage.

The company specialises in bespoke and repeat manufacturing, supported by in-house tooling and a loyal, long-standing customer base. They also deliver larger, special-purpose projects and supply to both UK and international markets.

Due to planned retirement, the business is seeking an ambitious and capable individual to join with a clear succession plan to General Manager, ultimately taking full responsibility for running the company.

This is a rare opportunity to step into a leadership role with genuine long-term progression and ownership-level responsibility.

The Role

This position offers far more than a traditional Operations Manager role, combining operational leadership, customer engagement, and commercial responsibility.

Working closely with the Managing Director, you will take ownership of the day-to-day running of the business, with a structured transition into full leadership.

You will play a key role across operations, pre-production, customer management, and strategic growth, acting as a central link between clients, production, and the wider business.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Production

- Oversee daily operations across production, tooling, and dispatch

- Manage workflow across bespoke and repeat manufacturing orders

- Coordinate production planning, including larger special-purpose projects

- Ensure delivery targets, efficiency, and quality standards are met

- Work closely with manufacturing teams to advise on processes and improvements

- Take responsibility for pre-production activities, from enquiry through to job launch

Customer & Commercial

- Act as a key point of contact for customers from enquiry to delivery

- Interpret engineering drawings and advise clients on product applications

- Support generation of new business and identify growth opportunities

- Manage subcontractors and external suppliers

- Maintain strong client relationships and ensure high levels of service

Leadership & Strategy

- Support the Managing Director in the day-to-day running of the business

- Lead, motivate, and develop a skilled manufacturing team

- Take ownership of site Health & Safety

- Contribute to mid- and long-term strategic planning

- Identify and implement process and operational improvements

About You

Essential:

- Proven experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment

- Strong operational leadership and organisational skills

- Ability to manage both people and production processes

- Strong commercial awareness and customer-facing experience

- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings

- Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills

- A proactive, hands-on approach with strong problem-solving ability within a small team of 10

Desirable:

- Apprentice-trained or qualified in an engineering discipline

- Toolmaking or machining background

- Experience in bespoke or low-volume manufacturing environments

- Knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes

- Exposure to export or international supply

The Opportunity

- Clear and genuine pathway to General Manager

- Opportunity to take over the running of a successful, long-established business

- Structured handover with the current Managing Director

- A varied role combining operations, sales, leadership, and strategy

- Long-term career stability with significant progression potential

Who This Would Suit

- An experienced Operations Manager ready to step into a senior leadership role

- A Production Manager or Senior Engineer seeking progression into management

- A commercially aware individual with ambitions to eventually run a business

Benefits

  * Monday–Thursday: 8:00am – 5:00pm

  * Friday: 8:00am – 1:00pm

  * 28 days holiday rising to 34 with service (including bank holidays)

  * Free on-site parking

Before You Apply

Do not include the following in your job application, CV, or cover letter:

Bank details.
National Insurance number.
Date of birth.

You should not be asked for payment or irrelevant information. If you have concerns about a job advert or employer, seek guidance on how to proceed.

Looking for your next career move? Join a top company hiring Operations Manager job near me in CM13, Hutton, Essex! This is your chance to work on exciting projects, grow professionally, and enjoy a rewarding career with competitive pay and excellent benefits. Whether you're an experienced professional or looking to take the next step, this role offers the perfect opportunity to enhance your skills and make an impact. Don’t miss out—apply today via Vita CV and take your career to the next level!