Group Operations Manager

Job Description

Subsequent to substantial funding and growth, a fabricator of intricate parts for the Defense and Aerospace industries has an opening for a Group Operations Manager. Assuming comprehensive duty for facility functions, we are seeking applicants with prior background in the aviation sector and a documented history of process innovation, staff mentorship, and the enhancement of functional productivity.

The Role

• Direct facility functions to achieve corporate objectives and boost output.

• Champion a constructive workplace ethos centered on a precision-first mindset.

• Supervise and synchronize fabrication activities to align with financial goals, manufacturing timelines, and quality benchmarks.

• Spearhead ongoing refinement programs and deploy methodologies for lean fabrication.

• Oversee financial plans, performance indicators, and functional goals to satisfy quality and distribution requirements.

• Pinpoint and integrate modern technological systems to refine operational throughput.

• Cultivate, guide, and supervise manufacturing staff across diverse units.

• Define transparent benchmarks and host routine briefings/appraisals to provide guidance to the functional group.

• Formulate and launch workflows to satisfy firm objectives, prioritizing safety, excellence, and performance data.

• Refine scheduling and turnaround periods while securing preparedness for market requirements.

The Person

• Documented history in a functional leadership capacity within a sophisticated engineering or manufacturing setting.

• Previous professional background situated within the aerospace industry.

• Superior guidance and persuasion talents, with the capacity to inspire and mentor staff.

• Business-minded professional, aiding the organization in reaching its fiscal and expansion targets.

• Competence in overseeing intricate ventures, resolving technical hurdles, and adhering to strict timeframes.

• Practical knowledge of continuous improvement strategies and lean manufacturing frameworks.

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Job Data Table

Category	Details
Company Name	Vectis Recruitment (on behalf of Client)
Location	Bolton, United Kingdom
Locality	Greater Manchester
Country	United Kingdom
City	Bolton
Region	North West England
Job Type	Full-time
Salaries	£65,000 – £85,000 per year
Experience Level	Senior / Proven Operational Leadership
Travel	Site-based (Bolton)
Language	English
Benefits	Performance Metrics, Professional Development

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Skills & Competency Table

Key Skill	Proficiency Level
Aerospace Operations	Expert
Lean Manufacturing	Expert
Complex Engineering Management	Expert
Budget & KPI Oversight	Advanced
People Development/Mentoring	Advanced
New Technology Integration	Advanced

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Salaries Pay Calculator Table

Annual Salary	Bonus	Total Compensation	Notes
£65,000 – £85,000	TBC	£65,000 – £85,000+	Salary reflects seniority in the Aerospace & Defence sector.

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Job Summary

Direct large-scale site operations for a high-growth Aerospace and Defence component manufacturer in Bolton. You will lead diverse departments, implement lean manufacturing, and drive a “right-first-time” culture. This role requires a commercially astute leader with aerospace experience to optimize planning, manage significant budgets, and mentor a high-performing production team.

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FAQs

What industry experience is essential for this role? Candidates must have a proven background in the Aerospace sector and experience in complex manufacturing environments.

What are the primary leadership expectations? You are expected to lead multiple departments, mentor production teams, and foster a positive, right-first-time culture.

Is experience with Lean manufacturing required? Yes, the role requires a proven track record of implementing lean manufacturing practices and driving continuous improvement.

What is the salary range for this position? The position offers a competitive salary between £65,000 and £85,000 per year.

Does the role involve technology implementation? Yes, the Group Operations Manager is responsible for identifying and introducing new technology solutions to improve site efficiency.

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Expert Analysis

This is a high-stakes leadership role following significant capital investment. The £85k ceiling suggests the client requires a “change agent”—someone who can transition the site from traditional methods to advanced lean systems. Success depends on navigating the stringent quality requirements of AS9100 while maintaining the agility needed for defense contracts.

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Location & Logistics Guide

Bolton is a historic industrial powerhouse in Greater Manchester, ideally positioned for the North West’s aerospace cluster. Its proximity to the M6, M61, and M60 motorways provides excellent logistics connectivity for the distribution of complex components to major aviation hubs and defense partners across the United Kingdom.

Wikipedia URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolton

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Career Path

A Group Operations Manager in this sector typically advances to Operations Director or General Manager. Given the specialized Aerospace and Defence focus, long-term opportunities include VP of Manufacturing or moving into global supply chain leadership for major Tier 1 aerospace suppliers and defense contractors.