Operations Manager

ThyssenKrupp AG; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering company is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead a team in Milton Keynes. This role is essential for driving operational excellence, enhancing safety, and implementing technology and efficiency improvements. Candidates should possess substantial experience in operations management, with a strong focus on Health & Safety. The position offers competitive benefits including a salary plus bonus, generous annual leave, and opportunities for learning and development.

Benefits

Competitive salary + bonus

Annual Leave: 25 days + 8 bank holidays

Health Cash Plan

Company bonus scheme

Advantageous pension scheme

Learning & Development opportunities

Employee discounts and vouchers

Wellbeing events

Company events

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior operations or manufacturing management role.
• Strong track record of leading operational teams effectively.
• Health & Safety leadership experience with culture change.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the site-based team in Milton Keynes.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety legislation.
• Induction, training, and competency management for all employees.

Skills

Senior operations management experience

Health & Safety leadership

Hands-on leadership

Efficiency improvements

Project management

Collaboration across functions

Automation and technology implementation

Job description

Operations Manager

Application Deadline: 21 January 2026

Department: Operations

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Milton Keynes

We are seeking an experienced, hands‑on Operations Manager to lead and develop our site‑based team in Milton Keynes. This role is critical to driving operational excellence, developing people, improving efficiency, and embedding a strong culture of Health, Safety, and Continuous Improvement.

You will be a visible leader on the shop floor, a strong people manager, and a natural integrator who can bring teams together, work closely with Sales, and translate business needs into practical operational solutions. A key part of the role will be modernising operations through technology, automation, and structured project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, organise, and deploy labour effectively to meet workload requirements, ensuring equipment and labour capacity are fully utilised, productivity is maximised, and work is carried out safely at all times.
• Act as a visible Health & Safety leader on the shop floor, promoting a positive safety culture and ensuring all operations comply with H&S legislation, company policies, and safe systems of work.
• Ensure all parts and processes are delivered in full compliance with approved customer requirements, internal quality standards, company procedures, and all legal, safety, and regulatory obligations.
• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Work Instructions, Risk Assessments, and Workplace Standards across all operational areas.
• Ensure standard working practices are consistently applied across all operations, including workflow, WIP levels, process and cycle times, and safe working procedures.
• Maintain and control all SSQDC performance boards, ensuring Health & Safety performance is clearly visible and that shift briefings effectively communicate safety messages alongside progress against agreed targets.
• Actively promoting safe behaviours and holding teams accountable for Health & Safety standards
• Motivating team members to achieve operational plans, targets, KPIs, and safety objectives
• Developing and coaching Shift Managers to lead safely and consistently deliver performance targets
• Driving business performance through the effective use of OKRs
• Work closely with Quality Engineers and H&S representatives to ensure quality and safety standards are understood, embedded, and consistently achieved.
• Ensure robust induction, training, and competency management for all employees, including Health & Safety training, and maintain accurate training records.
• Proactively identify and address operational and safety risks, leading incident investigations, near-miss reviews, and corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Continuously develop personal leadership and technical expertise and actively share knowledge and best practices across the wider team.
• Ensure appropriate levels of competent and trained resource are in place to meet customer demand while maintaining safe working conditions.
• Partner with the Operations Director to develop and deliver the site’s strategic plan, ensuring Health & Safety is embedded as a core pillar of operational excellence.
• Collaborate with the wider Operations Management Team across TKMUK, fostering a strong culture of best‑practice sharing, continuous improvement, and safety leadership.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Proven experience in a senior operations or manufacturing/engineering/logistics management role within a site‑based environment
• Strong track record of leading, rebuilding, and developing operational teams
• Demonstrable experience of leading Health & Safety within an operational environment, including driving culture change and compliance
• Hands‑on leadership experience with a strong shop floor presence
• Experience delivering efficiency improvements, process optimisation, and operational change
• Proven ability to manage labour planning, productivity, and resource deployment
• Experience leading and delivering projects and programmes in an operational setting
• Strong cross‑functional working experience, including collaboration with Sales and Quality
• Experience implementing automation, new technologies, or digital manufacturing solutions

Job Benefits

• Competitive salary + bonus
• Annual Leave: 25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays
• Health Cash Plan (after 6 months)
• Company bonus scheme
• Advantageous pension scheme
• Learning & Development opportunities
• Advanced Family Friendly Policies
• Employee high street vouchers & discounts
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Occupational health & health surveillance
• Length of Service Awards
• Christmas savings scheme
• Eye care vouchers
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Wellbeing events
• Recognition Portal
• Rewards Portal
• Company events
• Company share schemes
• Christmas Closedown