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 certification
Why Join AEM / AMETEK?
Part of a global, financially strong aerospace groupHigh‑impact leadership role with real operational ownershipOpportunity to shape site performance, culture and future capabilityExposure to complex aerospace MRO operations in a regulated environment
About AEM / AMETEK MRO
AEM Limited was acquired by AMETEK Inc. in 2007 and operates as part of AMETEK MRO’s Aerospace & Defense Division, a globally recognised provider of third‑party Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services.
Our Ramsgate facility specialises in the repair and overhaul of landing gear, hydraulic actuation assemblies and heat exchangers, serving commercial, regional, general aviation and military markets worldwide.
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