Site Operations Manager

Site Operations Manager Cumbria | Full-Time | Manufacturing Leadership Are you an experienced operations leader with a passion for driving performance, improving processes, and developing high-performing teams? We are looking for a Site Operations Manager to play a key role within our Site Leadership Team, leading production operations and supporting the delivery of world-class manufacturing performance. About the Role As Site Operations Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing multiple production areas, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations while delivering exceptional quality and customer service. You will lead operational strategy, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and contribute to the overall success of the site. Working together with the Plant General Manager and wider leadership team, you will help create a culture of excellence, safety, engagement, and accountability. Key Responsibilities Lead site operations to achieve production, cost, and capital expenditure targets. Manage operational performance through effective KPI monitoring, including output, waste, efficiency, and labour utilisation. Ensure production plans are delivered on time through effective capacity and resource management. Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing principles and methodologies such as Six Sigma and Kaizen. Develop and optimise operational structures, processes, and workforce planning. Support inventory reduction and working capital optimisation initiatives. Foster a high-performance culture through coaching, development, empowerment, and employee engagement. Champion health, safety, environmental, and quality standards across the site. Ensure compliance with all relevant quality, food safety, hygiene, and manufacturing standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align operational objectives with business and customer requirements. About You We're looking for a confident and inspiring leader who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and has a proven track record of delivering operational excellence. Essential Skills & Experience Significant senior operations management experience within a manufacturing environment. Experience leading teams through change and transformation projects. Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies. Excellent leadership, communication, and people development skills. A proactive, solution-focused approach with strong analytical capability. Proven ability to drive performance, engagement, and cultural change. Results-driven with a strong focus on safety, quality, and customer satisfaction. Desirable Experience within packaging, printing, extrusion, or similarly regulated manufacturing sectors. Degree qualification in Science, Engineering, Technology, or a related discipline. Working knowledge of SAP. Six Sigma or other continuous improvement qualifications. What You'll Bring A passion for manufacturing excellence and continuous improvement. The ability to inspire and motivate teams at all levels. Strong commercial awareness and operational focus. A collaborative, hands-on leadership style. Energy, resilience, and a commitment to delivering outstanding results. Why Join Us? This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact within a manufacturing operation. You'll be empowered to lead change, influence site performance, and develop talented teams while contributing to a strong culture of safety, quality, and operational excellence. Ready to take the next step in your career? We'd love to hear from you.