Operations Manager

About the company

We are recruiting for an Operations Manager to join an established business in Wakefield, taking responsibility for its manufacturing and warehouse operations. This is a fantastic opportunity for a hands-on people manager who enjoys being on the shop floor, working closely with teams and making a genuine difference to performance, productivity and workplace culture.

Your tasks

The business operates a relatively straightforward manufacturing process, bringing together externally sourced components to produce finished products. Alongside assembly, the role will oversee warehouse operations, including stock control, goods in, goods out and the efficient movement of materials.

Operations Manager - Key responsibilities - Manufacturing, Warehouse, Assembly, Lean, Continuous Improvement, Culture:

• Managing the day-to-day performance of the manufacturing and warehouse teams, ensuring productivity, quality and service standards are consistently achieved.
• Building a positive, engaged and accountable working culture through visible, hands-on leadership.
• Working closely with team leaders, supervisors and individual operators to improve performance, behaviours and ways of working.
• Setting clear expectations, addressing underperformance constructively and maintaining a firm but fair approach to people management.
• Developing and motivating employees, encouraging teamwork, ownership and continuous improvement.
• Overseeing warehouse activities, including inventory accuracy, stock movements, goods in and dispatch.
• Identifying practical opportunities to improve efficiency, workflow and productivity across both operational areas.
• Ensuring appropriate standards of health and safety, housekeeping and operational discipline are maintained.

Requirements

We are looking for someone who leads from the front. Rather than a highly strategic or office-based Operations Manager, we need someone who thrives on being involved in day-to-day activities, supporting team leaders, coaching individual employees and setting clear standards of performance and behaviour.

Operations Manager - About you - Manufacturing, Warehouse, Assembly, Lean, Continuous Improvement, Culture:

• Experience managing a reasonable sized team within a production, warehouse or similar operational environment.
• A natural, hands-on leader who enjoys working directly with employees rather than managing solely through reports and meetings.
• Strong people management skills, with the confidence to have difficult conversations, challenge poor behaviours and recognise good performance.
• A firm but fair management style, capable of creating a positive, respectful and engaging working environment.
• Experience improving team performance through coaching, clear communication and consistent expectations.
• A practical, approachable and down-to-earth personality, comfortable working alongside operators and supervisors.
• Good organisational skills and an understanding of operational efficiency, stock control and warehouse processes.

This role could suit an experienced Production Manager, Operations Manager, Warehouse Manager or an ambitious Team Leader or Supervisor who has already managed a team and is ready to take on broader responsibility.

Above all, we are looking for a strong people manager who can build relationships at every level, establish the right standards and get the best out of their team. Success in this position will come from being present, approachable and consistent, rather than relying on complex manufacturing knowledge or high-level strategic experience.

Other

Operations Manager, Manufacturing, Warehouse, Assembly, Lean, Continuous Improvement, Culture