Job Description
We’re supporting a highly regarded aerospace & defense manufacturer with the appointment of an Operations Manager to play a pivotal role in the next phase of site evolution.
The business has a strong legacy in highly profitable aerospace products and has successfully transitioned into securing long-term programmes across emerging areas of defense that are experiencing significant growth. This creates a unique platform for an operations leader to step into a business with both stability and forward momentum.
This is a succession led hire, designed to develop into a VP of Operations position. The successful individual will operate as a key member of the leadership team.
Key Responsibilities for the Operations Manager include:
- Lead site operations across manufacturing and supply chain within a regulated aerospace environment
- Drive performance across core metrics including OTD, past due, productivity, and turnaround time
- Champion 5S, continuous improvement, and operational discipline across the shop floor
- Lead capacity planning and factory layout optimisation to support growth within existing facilities
- Identify and implement productivity improvements to enable future product line integration
- Support new product introduction (NPI) activity over the next 12–24 months
- Engage with corporate leadership, contributing to reporting, planning, and operational strategy
- Maintain a visible, hands-on leadership presence to drive standards and continuous improvement
- Build and lead high-performing teams, balancing accountability with strong leadership presence
The successful Operations Manager will have the below skills:
- Proven experience within aerospace & defense manufacturing (highly preferred)
- Track record of driving operational performance in regulated, complex environments
- Strong understanding of capacity planning, CI, and factory optimisation
- Experience working with key operational metrics (OTD, productivity, turnaround, etc.)
- Exposure to new product introduction (NPI) in a manufacturing setting
- Leadership style that combines pace, ownership, and presence on the shop floor, strong communication skills with the ability to operate credibly
- Clear ambition and potential to progress into senior/executive operations leadership
If you’re looking to progress toward a VP of Operations role within a business that combines a strong, proven legacy with continued success in securing profitable work across high growth defence markets, please apply today. We will respond within two working days.