Operations Manager

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to take ownership of site operations at our Ramsgate facility. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for operational delivery, financial performance, people leadership, safety, quality and continuous improvement.

Reporting to the Site Lead, you will play a pivotal role in delivering strategic objectives while leading high performing operational teams in a regulated aerospace MRO environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Site Lead in delivering strategic objectives, operational plans and financial results
• Lead site operations to achieve sales, working capital, safety, quality and on time delivery targets
• Continuously optimise production planning and scheduling to improve efficiency and throughput
• Identify operational risks and constraints, implementing effective recovery and mitigation plans
• Act as a key operational interface across AEM and with external stakeholders
• Drive effective daily management routines, including CCC / PCC meetings, shift handovers, visual management boards and weekly production reviews

Financial, Resource & Performance Management

• Develop and sustain robust operational processes that minimise cost and maximise productivity
• Demonstrate strong understanding of operationalP&L drivers, including:
  • Labour efficiency and absorption
  • Overhead control
  • Working capital management
• Use KPIs, dashboards and visual management systems to drive data led decision making
• Identify and manage capital investment requirements supporting growth, compliance and safety
• Maintain high housekeeping and workplace organisation standards across the site

People Leadership, Capability & Culture

• Recruit, onboard, develop and performance manage operational teams
• Maintain accurate competency and skills matrices, succession plans and development pathways
• Provide a visible, hands on leadership presence on the shop floor
• Lead teams through change, including process improvement, organisational change and capability growth
• Reinforce AEM values, standards and behavioural expectations
• Build strong cross functional collaboration with:
  • Engineering & Facilities
  • QEHS
  • Stores & Logistics
  • Customer Support and other support functions

Safety, Quality, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Champion a culture of Continuous Improvement using Lean tools such as:
  • Kaizens
  • GEMBA walks
  • 5S
• Drive continuous improvement in site safety performance, proactively addressing hazards and unsafe behaviours
• Ensure full compliance with Quality, Environmental, Health & Safety policies and regulatory requirements
• Ensure operational teams are trained and competent in Part 145 SMS requirements relevant to their roles

Experience & Qualifications Essential

• Minimum 8 years' experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment
• At least 3 years in a senior operational leadership role with direct people and delivery accountability
• Highly developed planning, organisational and problem solving skills
• Strong analytical capability and comfort managing complex, fast paced operations
• High level of digital competence, includingMicrosoft 365, ERP systems, Power BI and approved AI tools

Desirable

• Experience within Aerospace or MRO environments
• Degree in Engineering or Business
• Part 145 (CAA / EASA / FAA) knowledge or training
• Lean or Continuous Improvement certification

Why Join AEM / AMETEK?

• Part of a global, financially strong aerospace group
  • High impact leadership role with real operational ownership
  • Opportunity to shape site performance, culture and future capability
  • Exposure to complex aerospace MRO operations in a regulated environment