Manufacturing Operations Manager

Manufacturing Operations Manager (a1WNz0000021ZPBMA2) Porth, Wales

Acorn by Synergie is recruiting for an experienced Operations Manager on behalf of an industry-leading tubular metal manufacturing business entering an exciting phase of strategic growth.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Manufacturing Operations Manager, Production Manager, Factory Manager or Lean Manufacturing professional who thrives in a hands‑on environment and can drive operational excellence across a busy manufacturing facility.

The successful candidate will translate business strategy into daily execution, optimise production workflows and develop a strong culture of accountability, safety and continuous improvement.

The Role

As Operations Manager, you will take ownership of factory‑floor performance, ensuring efficient production processes across laser cutting, fabrication and powder coating operations.

You will play a key role in improving productivity, reducing waste, supporting teams and delivering operational excellence throughout the manufacturing site.

Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing day‑to‑day manufacturing operations and ensuring smooth workflow across Laser Cutting, Fabrication and Powder Coating departments.
• Coordinating cross‑departmentally to identify and eliminate bottlenecks, resolve issues and minimise downtime.
• Driving Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives to reduce waste and optimise process flow.
• Maximising machine utilisation, labour productivity and on‑time order fulfilment.
• Supporting the implementation of manufacturing systems and improved processes.

You will be responsible for:

• Maintaining a visible presence on the shop floor and leading by example.
• Supporting production teams during peak periods.
• Upskilling, mentoring and empowering the Production Manager and Department Team Leaders.
• Ensuring effective shift handovers and clear communication across departments.
• Building a high‑performance culture based on ownership, accountability and strong safety standards.

KPI & Performance Management

You will drive operational excellence by monitoring, analysing and improving key performance indicators, including:

OEE: Maximising machine availability and performance.

Health & Safety: Maintaining strong safety standards and compliance.

Quality: Reducing scrap, rework and customer defects.

Delivery: Improving On‑Time‑In‑Full (OTIF) dispatch performance.

Efficiency: Monitoring labour productivity and reducing lead times.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will have:

• Proven experience managing manufacturing operations, preferably within tubular metal fabrication, steel processing or heavy assembly environments.
• Demonstrable success driving Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Six Sigma knowledge or experience.
• Experience implementing manufacturing systems.
• Fabrication, laser cutting or sheet metal manufacturing experience.
• IOSH or NEBOSH qualification.