Chess Dynamics
Operations Manager (IPT Operations Lead)
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Purpose of the Role
The Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring the smooth, efficient, and cost‑effective running of day‑to‑day for key IPT (Integrated Portfolio Management) operations. This role oversees people, processes, performance and continuous improvement across the operational function. The Operations Manager acts as the bridge between IPT teams and manufacturing and delivery. Contributes to IPT’s strategy and then leads the execution, ensuring that service levels, productivity, quality, and safety targets are consistently met. Ensures the health and safety of employees and visitors through appropriate processes and procedures and adhering to relevant health and safety legal requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
Lead daily operations to ensure consistent delivery of products and to fully own and be responsible for Demand& Supply alignment, together with proactive management of both opportunities and risks
Monitor performance metrics (KPIs) and drive actions to improve productivity, quality, and efficiency Ensure compliance with company policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements Have full ownership of “make-or-buy” decisions but with collaborative inputs from Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing and Industrialisation Engineering
People Management
Operating in matrix structure, manages (indirect management), coach, and develop operational teams to achieve high performance Oversees planning, scheduling and resource requirements Promotes a positive, safe, and accountable workplace culture reviewing and managing the performance of the Operations team through regular appraisals and coaching – Engages with Operational Excellence Manager to provide inputs for continues improvements and performance managements needs including identification and coordination of team development and training needs
Process & Performance Improvement
Identifies operational bottlenecks and works with Operational Excellence Manager to implement solutions to optimise workflow. Ensures continuous improvement initiatives are being implemented using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies. Ensures Standardise processes and documentation (SOPs, work instructions) are up to date. Be the approver authority for Industrialisation Engineering sub-level reviews covering DFM, DFA and DFL
Financial & Resource Management
Manages operational costs and takes necessary actions to meet planned targets. Also manages resource utilisation in line with budgetary plans. Support forecasting, capacity planning and operational cost‑saving initiatives. Ensure assets, equipment and facilities are maintained and fully operational in conjunction with Operational Excellence Manager (who is fully responsible to ensure compliance management). Develop and implement plans and processes to minimize manufacturing costs through effective utilisation of manpower, equipment, facilities, materials and capital Generation of capacity plans for the IPT and engages with Operational Excellence Manager to align such needs
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Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Work closely with IPT lead, Finance, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Manufacturing, Industrialisation Engineering and other departments to support business goals. Support new product or service launches from an operational readiness perspective Provide operational insights to leadership for strategic planning.
Customer & Stakeholder Management
Ensure service levels and customer expectations are consistently met or exceeded. Resolve escalated operational issues quickly and effectively. Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Supports the IPT lead with customers collaborations, engagements and planning
Required Skills & Experience
Technical & Professional
Proven experience in matrix operations management within manufacturing, or similar environments. Strong understanding of operational processes, workflow optimisation, and performance management. Experience with continuous improvement tools (Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma). Competence in data analysis, reporting, and KPI management. Relevant engineering/manufacturing degree or equivalent experience gained in a complex manufacturing environment Be experienced in the use of MRP/ERP systems Comprehensive use of the Microsoft office suite of applications
Leadership & Behavioural
Strong leadership and team‑building skills. Be able to demonstrate a ‘hands on’ approach in managing a diverse and flexible production team Have excellent communication skills both verbal and written at all levels of an organisation Demonstrate stakeholder management and relationship building across multiple functions of a business Be the change manager owner across Operatins and/or IPT environment
Desirable But Not Essential
Lean/Six Sigma qualification Experience working in an Engineering/project-based environment
Role KPI’s
This role is measured on output, stability, cost, quality, compliance, and people leadership.
Production Performance & Throughput – OTD, Schedule Adherence % of production plan executed as scheduled. Throughput Rate Actual vs planned capacity
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Operational Efficiency & Cost Control
Cost per Unit (CPU) Actual vs. target cost per unit. Scrap & Rework Cost Total cost of waste and rework as % of production cost.
Quality
First Pass Yield (FPY) % of units passing inspection without rework. Non‑Conformance Rate (NCR) Number of NCRs per 1,000 units.
Safety, Security & Environmental Performance
Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) Safety performance indicator. Near‑Miss Reporting Rate Measures safety culture maturity.
Maintenance & Asset Reliability
Planned Maintenance Completion Rate % of PM tasks completed on schedule. Unplanned Downtime Hours of downtime per month.
Personal Attributes
Demonstrates our company values of Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence and Courage Highly organised and methodical approach, with an eye for detail The ability to work independently when required A flexible, conscientious, and diligent attitude Excellent communication, interpersonal and written skills A resilient and adaptable approach at all times Has the ability to deliver targets in a complex and dynamic environment. Demonstrate the ability to collaboratively engage all levels and functions of the organization to achieve goals.
Work Life Balance
37.5 hour working week Lunchtime finishes on a Friday Hybrid / flexible working arrangements 28 days annual leave Christmas closure Holiday purchasing scheme
Benefits
Group pension plan – matched contributions up to 5% Income protection scheme Health Cash Plan Employee Assistance Programme gives you and your family access to 4 key services including remote GP service, second opinion, mental health pathway service and physiotherapy consultations Life assurance policy, including bereavement counselling and probate helpline Company shares incentive plan and save as you earn scheme Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme Wellbeing initiatives, including access to wellbeing app and the addition of mental health support for all employees. Regular sports and social activities Reward platform (high street discounts, employee benefits, health and wellbeing offerings) Recruitment referral bonus scheme Excellent learning & development opportunities
Security Clearance Requirements
Due to the nature of our business, our staff need to be able to obtain UK Security Clearance as a mandated requirement. Therefore, you will need to provide proof of identity, employment history and right to work in the UK, along with proof of UK residency for at least five years.
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