Senior Operations Manager

McLaren Packaging Ltd; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing company in Glasgow is seeking an experienced Senior Operations Manager. The role involves leading day-to-day operations across two sites, driving consistency in processes and performance management. The successful candidate will enhance operational metrics and coach site management teams while implementing continuous improvement initiatives. Essential qualifications include proven experience in manufacturing operations, strong people leadership skills, and a solid understanding of supply chain and quality requirements.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior operational role within a manufacturing business.
• Experience leading multi-site operations.
• Strong people leadership skills with the ability to engage colleagues at all levels.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and H&S requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a strategic plan and objectives for operational activity.
• Oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations ensuring safety and efficiency.
• Drive consistency in processes, standards, and performance management.
• Coach site management teams to improve capability and engagement.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Operational leadership

People management

Continuous Improvement

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

Overview

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Operations Manager to lead and optimise manufacturing operations across two sites within a growing and evolving business. This is a leadership role with responsibility for operational performance, people leadership, and the development and delivery of consistent processes, ways of working and KPIs across both locations.

The successful candidate will play a key role in improving efficiency, strengthening collaboration between sites, and supporting the business’s longer-term growth strategy.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Managing Director to develop and deliver a strategic plan and objectives that will drive all business operational activity, efficiently, and to the required quality
• Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations across two sites, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant operations
• Drive consistency in processes, standards, and performance management across both locations
• Own and improve key operational metrics including safety, quality, OTIF, productivity, and cost
• Coach and develop site management teams, building capability, accountability, and engagement
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste and improve performance
• Work closely with supply chain, engineering, quality, and commercial teams to ensure aligned delivery
• Manage operational budgets and support capital investment decisions
• Act as a key contributor to the senior leadership team, providing insight and operational challenge

What We’re Looking For

Essential:

• Proven experience in a senior operational role within a manufacturing business
• Experience leading multi-site operations
• Strong people leadership skills with the ability to engage colleagues at all levels
• Solid understanding of manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and H&S requirements
• Track record of driving operational improvement and change
• Lean / Continuous Improvement experience

Personal Attributes

• Hands-on, visible leader with strong operational credibility
• Structured and data-driven, but with a pragmatic approach
• Confident communicator able to influence across functions and sites
• Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
• Thinks and works collaboratively
• Leads by example in everything they do
• Integrity
• Strong and effective communication and influencing skills
• Able to make difficult and complex decisions
• Resilience when challenged and when under pressure