Operations Manager

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Location: Newtown, Mid Wales

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Reports to: Managing Director

About Pent Haus

Pent Haus designs and manufactures premium sectional garden rooms, offices and outdoor buildings from our facility in Mid Wales.

What started as a small family business has grown into a successful manufacturer with a reputation for quality, innovation and customer service. Demand continues to grow, and we are now entering an exciting new phase, with plans for a significantly larger manufacturing facility and increased production capacity.

The Opportunity

This is a rare opportunity to join a growing manufacturing business at a defining moment in its journey. We are looking to double our production capacity, and alongside this growth, we are implementing new systems, investing in new production equipment and preparing for a move to a purpose-built factory. This is not a corporate management role; you will lead a small manufacturing team and spend much of your time on the factory floor, solving problems, supporting the team and driving improvements.

Why This Role Matters

Today, many operational decisions still sit with the leadership team. Your role will be to create the structure, systems and accountability needed to support sustainable growth. You will improve factory performance and help build an operation that can scale confidently.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Leadership

• Lead and develop the production team.
• Plan and coordinate manufacturing activities to achieve production targets.
• Promote a positive, accountable and high-performing culture.
• Recruit, train and develop team members as the business grows.

Operational Excellence

• Identify bottlenecks and implement practical improvements.
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) and standard ways of working.
• Implement Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Reduce manufacturing errors, rework and inefficiencies.
• Lead operational problem-solving and escalation management.
• Establish meaningful KPIs, reporting and performance management systems.
• Maintain high standards of health, safety and housekeeping across the manufacturing operation.

Planning & Systems

• Own production planning, scheduling and capacity management.
• Improve workflow, communication and operational controls across the factory.
• Support the implementation and ongoing development of ERP and business systems.
• Ensure planning processes support continued growth and increased output.

Equipment & Facilities

• Support the introduction and commissioning of new machinery and equipment.
• Ensure equipment is utilised effectively and maintained appropriately.
• Help prepare the manufacturing operation for future growth and expansion.
• Play a key role in planning and delivering the transition to a larger manufacturing facility.

Business Growth

• Work closely with the leadership team and business owners to support strategic objectives.
• Help build the structure, systems and accountability needed to support sustainable growth.
• Support capacity expansion as the business scales production.
• Contribute to the long-term development of a manufacturing operation capable of supporting future growth.

What Success Looks Like After 12 Months

• Production capacity doubled
• Operational performance no longer dependent on founder intervention
• Production planning and scheduling fully embedded
• Strong culture of accountability and continuous improvement
• Clear operational ownership established across the factory and new systems successfully implemented
• Factory prepared for future expansion and relocation

Who We Are Looking For

We are not looking for a corporate manager. We are looking for a practical manufacturing leader who enjoys solving problems, improving processes and getting stuck-in when needed. You may currently be an Operations Manager, Factory Manager or ambitious Production Manager looking for the opportunity to make a significant impact.

You will be:

• A practical, hands-on leader.
• Comfortable making decisions and taking responsibility.
• Highly organised and able to prioritise effectively.
• Motivated by continuous improvement.
• Calm under pressure and capable of solving problems quickly.
• Focused on delivering a great outcome for customers.

Necessary Experience

• Manufacturing, factory or production management experience
• Experience leading teams in a hands-on environment
• Process improvement and continuous improvement experience

Experience We Would Value

• Lean manufacturing
• Factory expansion or relocation projects
• KPI and performance management systems
• Experience within an SME or growing business.
• Timber, joinery, furniture or construction product manufacturing experience.
• Experience working with machinery and automated equipment.

Pay: £35,000.00-£45,000.00 per year

Experience:

• Management: 3 years (preferred)

Work Location: In person