Manufacturing Operations Manager

Howdens are recruiting an experienced Operations Manager to join our manufacturing site in Howden, East Yorkshire. With significant investment underway to expand and upgrade our operations, it’s a great time to come on board and be part of our exciting growth journey. This permanent role offers a unique opportunity to play a key role in driving and shaping positive change within our FTSE100 business.

Reporting to the Business Unit Manager, you will be responsible for managing and motivating your team to ensure targets are met in line with the required health and safety, quality, cost, delivery and people metrics to support all the production processes. As a natural leader, you will ensure your team is well-directed and will lead them effectively through regular communication, training and development.

As an Operations Manager, you will be a confident decision maker with a proven track record of implementing continuous improvement into a manufacturing environment.

The role:

• 3 direct reports (Group Leaders), 90+ indirect
• Leading and managing resources (people, materials, machinery, methods) to deliver production plans in alignment with SQCDP targets
• Ensuring process consistency across production lines, addressing issues such as machine breakdowns, labour shortages, and material availability
• Monitoring and improving operational KPIs, including Safety, Quality, Cost and Delivery performance
• Leading, motivating, and engaging Group Leaders to enhance their leadership capability and to foster a high-performance culture
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives across production processes, leveraging tools such as Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and Root Cause Analysis
• Supporting and driving behavioural safety initiatives to reduce incidents and improve team engagement

What you’ll need:

• Experience working in a leadership role within a manufacturing environment with multiple production lines
• An inspirational and engaging management style with the confidence to communicate our vision and values
• Experience and knowledge of modern manufacturing techniques and a track record of driving improvement and efficiencies in a fast-paced environment
• The ability to remain calm under pressure in a deadline-focused environment and able to adapt to the changing demands of the business

What we can offer you as an Operations Manager: 

• Competitive salary + bonus scheme
• Pension plan with a maximum company contribution of 12%
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays with an opportunity to purchase additional days
• Staff discount
• Free lunch at our onsite canteen
• Friendly and supportive environment offering exceptional reward and recognition

About Howdens

Howdens Joinery is the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier providing thousands of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware. We have over 900 depots throughout the UK and Europe and employ more than 11,000 employees.  Last year our sales reached over £2.3bn, and we have an ambitious growth agenda. 

As well as the opportunity to develop within a high-profile company, you will be part of a rewarding organisation recognised for excellence in the workplace in the Best Big Companies to Work For.

How to apply:

We are building a future where world-class service, innovation, and sustainability are embedded within our DNA. If Howdens sounds like the kind of place where you can build and develop your career, then we are keen to hear from you.

We are working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email recruitmentteam@howdens.com with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.

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