Job Description

Technical Manufacturing Operations Manager
Location: Mid Kent
Salary: 45,000 - 55,000 dependent on experience + progression
Type: Permanent, full-time 5 days on site
Contact: Emily-Karabelo Powell, Associate Director, Pearson Whiffin Recruitment
We are working with a specialist UK manufacturing business that forms part of a wider European engineering group. The UK operation designs and manufactures fabricated sheet metal and engineered metal systems, supplying project-led solutions into a technically demanding commercial market. The site operates with a high degree of autonomy, supported by a collaborative international HQ.
This role would suit a technically strong Operations Manager or Engineering Manager with a background in fabrication, sheet metal or engineered metal products, who enjoys being hands-on and improving how things are designed, made and delivered.
The Role
This is a senior, practical role with end-to-end responsibility for the UK manufacturing operation. While there is line management responsibility for a small team, the emphasis is firmly on technical leadership, operational efficiency and commercial performance.
You will be someone who is not afraid to roll your sleeves up, spend time on the shop floor, challenge existing processes and bring new ideas forward. In many respects, this role operates as a UK General Manager-style position, with responsibility for operational performance, cost and delivery.
Key Responsibilities

• Own and continuously improve UK manufacturing operations across fabrication, assembly and dispatch
• Lead by example through a hands-on approach, supporting the team where needed
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency, productivity and cost control
• Analyse workflows, layouts, planning and material flow to reduce waste and improve throughput
• Work closely with design and engineering activity to ensure design-for-manufacture principles are applied
• Use SolidWorks or similar CAD to review, challenge and support designs where appropriate
• Work collaboratively with the commercial team to ensure operational decisions support margin, pricing and delivery commitments
• Identify opportunities to bring work in-house, reduce supplier reliance and improve cost efficiency
• Improve planning accuracy, delivery performance and operational reporting
• Act as the key interface between the UK operation and European HQ
• Maintain quality standards and support ISO-aligned systems

People Management
This is a small, stable team with no major people issues.
The role is about:

• Setting standards and direction
• Supporting and developing the team
• Leading by example rather than heavy people management

About You
This role will suit someone who:

• Is qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline
• Has experience in fabricated sheet metal, architectural metal, airflow systems or engineered metal products
• Has professional experience using SolidWorks (or similar 3D CAD)
• Is comfortable being hands-on and visible within a manufacturing environment
• Enjoys problem-solving, improving processes and coming up with practical ideas
• Is commercially aware and understands how operational decisions impact cost and margin
• Is looking for a long-term role with ownership and stability

Candidates from SMEs or specialist manufacturers will be particularly well suited.
Why Apply?

• Senior, long-term role with genuine ownership of the UK operation
• Strong technical and continuous improvement focus
• Opportunity to lead from the front and make a visible impact
• Close collaboration with commercial and international teams
• Stable, well-backed business with a clear future
• Rapid interview process with clear feedback

Skills Required