Operations & Engineering Manager

  • Fakenham
  • Full-time
  • Permanent

About a career with Elis

About Elis

Elis is an international leader in textile, hygiene and facility services, helping businesses across a wide range of industries to operate safely, sustainably and efficiently. With a presence in 29 countries and a team of around 52,000 people, we combine the scale and stability of an international organisation with the opportunity to build a rewarding and long-term career.

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in investing in our people, recognising their contribution and giving them the opportunity to develop, progress and build careers they can be proud of.

At Elis, you'll be part of a culture built on trust, respect and collaboration, where your ideas and contribution are valued. We want our people to have a voice, and our commitment to listening and acting on employee feedback was recognised when Elis UK won Best Employee Engagement Experience Initiative at the 2024 CIPD People Management Awards for our Employee Voice programme.

With opportunities across operations, engineering, logistics, sales and our head office support functions, there are many ways to develop your career with Elis.

The Opportunity

This is a senior leadership role responsible for driving operational excellence across production and engineering, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective site performance aligned with the business plan.

You will lead cross-functional teams, embed a continuous improvement and lean culture, and play a key role in shaping site strategy alongside the General Manager.

Key Responsibilities


Leadership & Strategy

  • Lead, manage and develop both operations and engineering teams to achieve site objectives
  • Deputise for the General Manager when required
  • Support the development and delivery of site strategy, business plans, and capital projects
  • Build a strong “One Team” culture across production, engineering, logistics and support functions

Operations Management

  • Drive implementation of Production Essentials and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Ensure customer deliveries are achieved on time, in full, to quality and cost targets
  • Forecast volumes and resource requirements aligned to budget and capacity
  • Monitor performance, analyse trends and implement corrective actions
  • Manage budgets, cost control, and operational efficiency

Engineering & Maintenance

  • Lead the engineering function to deliver planned preventative maintenance (PPM) and rapid corrective actions
  • Oversee installation, maintenance and optimisation of plant, equipment, boilers and steam systems
  • Ensure engineering resources are effectively planned to support production demands
  • Manage external suppliers for maintenance, parts, and capital equipment

Health, Safety & Compliance

  • Ensure full compliance with QHSE policies, legal regulations, COSHH, RIDDOR and GDPR
  • Drive a strong safety-first culture across all teams
  • Ensure risk assessments, safe systems of work (SSOW) and training are in place and followed
  • Maintain relevant site accreditations (e.g. ISO standards where applicable)

People & Performance

  • Lead, coach and develop high-performing teams across operations and engineering
  • Manage performance, absence, training, and employee engagement
  • Deliver technical training for operators and engineering teams on new equipment and processes

Continuous Improvement & Sustainability

  • Champion lean manufacturing and continuous improvement programmes (e.g. Six Sigma)
  • Drive improvements in site efficiency, productivity and cost reduction
  • Lead environmental initiatives including energy and WECO reduction.

What We're Looking For

Experience

  • Proven leadership experience in operations and/or engineering within a manufacturing or process environment
  • Strong background in industrial maintenance and production management
  • Experience managing budgets, KPIs and continuous improvement programmes
  • Knowledge of steam/boiler systems and engineering operations (highly desirable)
  • Experience in lean manufacturing / Six Sigma (desirable)

    Skills

    • Strong leadership and people management capability
    • Excellent communication and influencing skills at all levels
    • Commercial awareness with strong analytical and problem-solving ability
    • Ability to plan, prioritise and deliver in a fast-paced environment
    • IT literate (MS Office, ERP systems)
    • Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach

What We Offer

  • Company Pension
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Life Assurance
  • 33 Days Holiday
  • Private Medical
  • Competitive salary circa
  • Annual bonus
  • Company pension
  • Private medical insurance
  • Life assurance
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Clear career progression within a growing international business

Interested?

Then apply online!

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