Manufacturing Operations Manager

Job Summary

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER, 2026

We are currently seeking an experienced Operations Manager (known internally as Operations Team Leader) to join our thriving business on an initial 12 month fixed-term contract/secondment basis. Based at our East Cowes facilities, and reporting into one of our Operations Group Leaders, the Operations Team Leader will be accountable for the following:

• Leading and developing a high-performing team of (typically up to 12) manufacturing operatives;
• Achieving the People, Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cash and Cost (PSQDCC) targets through the disciplined and rigorous deployment of the Lean Operating Model;
• Attaining Operational Excellence across their designated area of responsibility, in line with the Performance Centre objectives.
• Active involvement in problem solving and the management system using a 'Go to Gemba' approach to solve problems with the ambition that 95% of issues can be solved within the zone itself
• Creating a 'Great Place To Work' through developing and empowering first class Team Members and driving a culture of continuous improvement, safe working and open dialogue.

Flexibility is required to cover all shift patterns as required by the business; predominately we are operating on 6am to 2pm and 2pm to 10pm shift, weekly rotation, as well as core shift (8am-4.30pm)

Job Responsibilities

• • Creating and sustaining a culture that is aligned to the GKN Aerospace 'Great Place To Work' value drivers and Culture Principles by role-modelling behaviours, motivating, encouraging and recognising the contribution of individuals and teams.
  • Hold Team Members and Team Leaders accountable to embody the GKNA culture principles
  • Be Open and Honest when appraising and managing individuals' performance whilst supporting and coaching individuals to close performance gaps
  • Provide opportunities for Team Members to play to their strengths; do what they do best and create on-going opportunities for learning and personal development
  • Exemplifying a safety-first mindset and ensuring that the GKN Aerospace Health, Safety and Environmental policies and standards are applied and that their assigned areas are a model of a world class healthy and safe working environment
  • Leading and developing their teams to understand the context, mechanics and the delivery of PSQDCC targets to meet customer and stakeholder commitments
  • Driving the disciplined and rigorous deployment of the Lean Operating Model (LOM) across their assigned areas
  • Active involvement in problem solving and the management system using a 'Go to Gemba' approach to solve problems with the ambition that 95% of issues can be solved within the zone itself
  • Cooperate with other Team Leaders to ensure the best performance outcomes for the entire Area
  • Ensuring the disciplined execution of Daily Management and Standardised work through the conscientious adherence to Leader Standard Work
  • Complying with all legal and regulatory requirements and ensuring that staff are aware of the policies and their individual responsibilities and accountabilities
  • Responsibility for managing a Zone budget as agreed with their Group Leader, and taking ownership when having to make difficult decisions linked to their Zone

Job Qualifications

Suitable candidates should be able to demonstrate:

• Previous similar experience gained within an Aerospace (or very similar) manufacturing Industry.
• Demonstrable leadership skills, with a track record of successfully leading, engaging, training and developing high-performing teams.
• Excellent workplace performance, demonstrating rigorous adherence to standardised work, and a track record of Kaizen implementation.
• Self-motivated by meeting and exceeding performance targets.
• Ability to work with various stakeholders.
• Effective and influential communication skills.