Operations and Engineering Manager
ICS

Elis is an international multi-service provider, offering textile, hygiene and facility services solutions, and we're on an exciting growth journey,  looking for top talent to help us accelerate our expansion. We are not just building a business; we are creating a workplace where ambition and enthusiasm are rewarded and where every individual can make a lasting impact.  We pride ourselves on being a meritocracy where performance is recognized and achievements are celebrated. Our employees are driven by a shared commitment to our core values: Respect, Integrity, Exemplarity, and Responsibility.

We have a great opportunity to join our Fakenham site as a Operations and Engineering Manager.  This role will be responsible to lead, manage and continually develop the production teams in the achievement of functional objectives that support the Site and Company Business Plan. Work closely with the engineering, service and logistics teams to continuously improve site overall effectiveness ensuring utilisation of production facilities, people development and a lean culture.

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.

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

• 33 Days Holiday
• Company Pension
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Life Assurance
• On-site Parking
• 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