Operations Lead

14 Month Contract to start October 2025 until December 2026

32 Hours per week 

Provides support to the Site Lead & Head of Manufacturing Operations to ensure the company is performing to the strategic targets, assure productivity and efficiency whilst seeking to reduce costs. Collaborates with all departments to drive operational excellence. Support the functional running of the business and support management implementing policies, systems, and processes.

Job Summary:

Leads the planning of operational activities needed to ensure the reliable delivery of services in an accurate and timely manner consistent with customer and industry expectations. Monitor systems and processes to ensure they support the needs of the current business and planned expansion. Manages the logistics team and the purchasing and procurement processes.

Essential Functions & Accountabilities:

• Ensure accountability in delivering operational objectives and conducts regular reviews to ensure all direct reports are fully aware of their responsibilities & accountabilities, conducts return to work interviews, set KPI’s and individual objectives
• Oversee the day-to-day activities of the logistics department ensuring all company goals are met and work within the management team to manage absence.
• Drive an inspiring team environment that promotes the company values & ensures a positive culture with open communication
• Ensure systems, processes and work instructions are adhered to
• Ensure shipping and logistics achieve company targets and operate within budget
• Manage the purchasing and procurement process, liaise with Global Procurement to ensure alignment on all purchasing activity
• Facilitate the purchasing ordering process and confirm receipt of goods following goods inwards processes
• Manage stores and inventories, conduct stock takes and plan inventory
• Manage supplier relationships, resolve escalated complaints, working with RAQA to ensure regulatory needs are met
• Responsible for tracking and monitoring operational spend in line with budgets, reporting any potential overspends to the overall budget holder
• Manage production resources to ensure efficient in workflow and maintain lead times
• Create and maintain production, work, and shipment schedules and prioritise job orders for product optimization
• Work with production departments and engineering to identify and eliminate constraints and bottle necks and balance production processes throughout the operation to minimize inventory levels while achieving output and delivery targets
• Complete status reports and data analysis to review and evaluate production progress, work in process, and raw material inventory and finished goods demand
• Make suggestions for improvement in the areas of cost reduction, processes, quality and productivity
• Write and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Planning, Purchasing and Inventory functions
• Act as a liaison between manufacturing and customer services and commercial to provide effective communication, updating delivery times, issues in production which affect service levels and maintaining an adequate workflow to the laboratory
• Monitor all key indicators and provide frequent updates to upper management
• Work with the Site Lead & Head of Manufacturing Operations to review unit forecasts and ensure production is adequately prepared for changes and adjustments
• Support capacity planning to meet the commercial requirements
• Provide support to the Health & Safety lead when required and in times of absence

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Extensive knowledge of manufacturing practices and processes, particularly in a speciality environment

Project management skills

Problem-solving ability

Teamwork skills

Exceptional organisational skills

Outstanding attention to detail

Advanced knowledge of QMS requirements

Excellent Microsoft skills

Must demonstrate solid experience/knowledge with all facets of the MRP/ERP materials planning system/software

Excellent verbal and written communications skills

Ability to communicate with all levels of the organisation

Strong analytical skills, combined with practical business acumen

Sound knowledge of forecasting and inventory planning and management

Ability to lead

Assertive decision maker with exceptional follow through

Work Environment:

This is primarily an office/desk-based role; however, time will need to be spent in the production environment where it can be noisy, PPE is required

Experience:

Minimum of 5+ years of planning experience required

Advanced ERP experience required

Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a management/leadership role

Education:

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in operational planning, supply chain, business or a related discipline, along with industry equivalent work experience

Minimum level 3 in Supply Chain Management & Operations (IOSCM)

We endeavour to reply to all applications, however, if you haven`t heard from us within 7 days, you have been unsuccessful with this particular role. You are very welcome to apply to future advertisements placed by Grafters Recruitment Consultants / Grafters Accountancy Personnel.