Operations Manager

Thompson Aero; Portadown; On-site; GBP 40,000 - GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Northern Ireland is recruiting for an Operations Manager. This role involves overseeing logistics and warehousing operations, implementing process improvements, and managing compliance with import and export regulations. The ideal candidate should have over 3 years of management experience, a strong understanding of lean methodologies, and excellent leadership skills. Competitive salary, annual bonus, and various employee benefits are on offer, along with opportunities for development and career progression.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual bonus (linked to company performance)

33 days annual leave

Health cash plan

Contributory Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme

Electric Car Scheme - Salary Sacrifice

Cycle to Work Scheme

Life Assurance Scheme at x4 gross salary

Learning and development opportunities

Career progression

Qualifications

• 3+ years management experience with full responsibility of a business function/unit or team.
• Demonstrated knowledge of lean techniques and process improvement.
• Experience working in a logistics environment with export and import procedures.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee daily Stores operations including inventory control.
• Implement strategies to optimize efficiency and reduce costs.
• Manage logistics transportation and compliance with import-export regulations.

Skills

Lean & continuous improvement techniques

IT skills (Microsoft Office)

Leadership

Budget management

Education

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in relevant discipline

ILM Leadership and Management Level 7 (or equivalent)

Tools

MRP system

Job description

We are recruiting for an Operations Manager covering Stores and Logistics. The post holder will be responsible for playing a pivotal role in streamlining and enhancing our warehousing and logistics operations; leading teams and overseeing day-to-day activities, driving process improvements, strategically planning and managing logistics, whilst ensuring the business is fully compliant with import & export regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all aspects of daily Stores operations, including goods receipt, part warehousing, inventory control and accuracy and kitting across all business revenue streams.
• Implement strategies to optimise efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall operational performance.
• Focus on waste reduction & the eradication of non-value-added activities. Develop and act upon plans to facilitate process improvement. Monitor & improve cost-productivity measures & operational improvements through increased efficiencies & performance.
• Support, coach and develop the Stores team in all aspects of their roles to create and deploy a dynamic, high performing and efficient team.
• Focus on delivery for our customers across all revenue streams (NPI, Serial, Aftermarket) both internally and externally.
• Create and implement a Stores vision, strategy, principles, policies and best practice processes to improve operational and financial performance.
• Ensure the integrity of inventory accuracy and manage stock movements and work closely with other teams and auditors to validate this and share best practice.
• Identify and resolve any inventory discrepancies and ensure records are compliant.
• Manage slow moving and obsolete stock.
• Strategically plan and manage logistics transportation for the business.
• Liaise with internal teams to ensure on-time delivery of product within a pre-defined budget
• Lead all compliance-based logistics activities, including ensuring appropriate internal procedures exist to comply with all relevant import-export regulations, including accuracy & completeness checks on data, liaising with internal & external auditors.
• Manage logistics contracts with key external providers to ensure lowest acquisition costs are achieved whilst maintaining delivery targets.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement lean methodologies to enhance productivity and reduce lead times.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Continually review processes and implement actions to maximize capacity and efficiency
• Develop an ‘improvement culture’ within the areas of responsibility.
• Work closely with the Quality team to ensure that products meet or exceed quality standards.
• Implement and maintain quality control measures within processes
• Efficiently allocate resources, including labour, equipment and materials, to meet production goals and customer requirements.
• Create, maintain and embody training plans, and employee development targets across the full span of accountability.
• Collaborate with the supply chain team to optimise supply chain delivery, ensuring timely procurement of materials and components
• Implement and monitor safety protocols to create a secure working environment
• Contribute to the development and execution of long-term operational strategies aligned with organisational goals

Reward

• Competitive salary
• Annual bonus (linked to company performance)
• 33 days annual leave (Increase after 5 years\' service)
• 37.5 hours per week
• Flexi time working
• £5,000 employee referral bonus
• Health cash plan
• Contributory Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme
• Holiday Purchase Scheme - Salary Sacrifice
• Electric Car Scheme - Salary Sacrifice
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Life Assurance Scheme at x4 gross salary
• Competitive enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
• IVF & Assisted Conception Policy
• Women in Business - CorporateMember
• Wellbeing Initiatives
• Employee Recognition scheme
• Service Awards
• Local charity /sponsorship activities
• Dedicated employee parking
• Discounted Gym membership
• Learning and development opportunities
• Career progression

Requirements

Essential

• 3+ years management experience having full responsibility of a business function/unit or team.
• Demonstrate in-depth working knowledge of lean & continuous improvement techniques and process improvement projects.
• Proven change management experience.
• Experienced leader with strong record of leading many direct & indirect reports
• Proven ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative to achieve targets.
• Possess strong IT skills including Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience in setting and working with agreed budgets.
• Experience working in a logistics environment
• Experience of working with export and import procedures and controls.
• Knowledge of Union Customs Code (UCC) regulations, in particular Inward Processing, Customs and TSS regulations.
• Effective communication skills
• Strong leadership and strategic thinking skills
• Budgetary and cost management.
• Proven ability to lead a successful team.
• Proven working knowledge of planning systems including MRP system

Desirable

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
• ILM Leadership and Management Level 7 (or equivalent).
• Lean Certification

We reserve theright to enhance criteria on shortlisting.

Thompson Aero Seating is an Equal Opportunities employer.

The closing date for applications is the 22nd February 2026 at 17:00.

For further infomation contact [e-mail]