Operations Manager

We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to take ownership of site operations at our Ramsgate facility. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for operational delivery, financial performance, people leadership, safety, quality and continuous improvement.   Reporting to the Site Lead, you will play a pivotal role in delivering strategic objectives while leading high‑performing operational teams in a regulated aerospace MRO environment.   Key Responsibilities: Operational Leadership & Delivery

Support the Site Lead in delivering strategic objectives, operational plans and financial results Lead site operations to achieve  sales, working capital, safety, quality and on‑time delivery targets Continuously optimise  production planning and scheduling to improve efficiency and throughput Identify operational risks and constraints, implementing  effective recovery and mitigation plans Act as a key operational interface across AEM and with external stakeholders Drive effective daily management routines, including  CCC / PCC meetings, shift handovers, visual management boards and weekly production reviews Demonstrated ability and willingness to use AI tools to improve productivity, decision-making, work quality, and to reduce costs. The successful candidate must be able to identify appropriate AI use cases and critically evaluate AI-generated outputs.

Financial, Resource & Performance Management

Develop and sustain robust operational processes that minimise cost and maximise productivity Demonstrate strong understanding of operational  P&L drivers , including:

Labour efficiency and absorption Overhead control Working capital management

Use KPIs, dashboards and visual management systems to drive  data‑led decision making Identify and manage  capital investment requirements supporting growth, compliance and safety Maintain high housekeeping and workplace organisation standards across the site

People Leadership, Capability & Culture

Recruit, onboard, develop and performance‑manage operational teams Maintain accurate competency and skills matrices , succession plans and development pathways Provide a visible, hands‑on leadership presence on the shop floor Lead teams through change, including process improvement, organisational change and capability growth Reinforce AEM values, standards and behavioural expectations Build strong cross‑functional collaboration with:

Engineering & Facilities QEHS Stores & Logistics Customer Support and other support functions

Safety, Quality, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

Champion a culture of Continuous Improvement using Lean tools such as:

Kaizens GEMBA walks 5S

Drive continuous improvement in site safety performance , proactively addressing hazards and unsafe behaviours Ensure full compliance with Quality, Environmental, Health & Safety policies and regulatory requirements Ensure operational teams are trained and competent in Part 145 SMS requirements relevant to their roles Demonstrated ability and willingness to use AI tools to improve productivity, decision-making, work quality, and to reduce costs. The successful candidate must be able to identify appropriate AI use cases and critically evaluate AI-generated outputs

Experience & Qualifications: Essential

Minimum 8 years’ experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment At least  3 years in a senior operational leadership role with direct people and delivery accountability Highly developed  planning, organisational and problem‑solving skills Strong analytical capability and comfort managing complex, fast‑paced operations High level of digital competence, including  Microsoft 365, ERP systems, Power BI and approved AI tools

Desirable

Experience within Aerospace or MRO environments Degree in  Engineering or Business Part 145 (CAA / EASA / FAA) knowledge or training Lean or Continuous Improvement