Operations Manager

Location: Ramsgate
Business Unit: AEM Limited (AMETEK MRO – Aerospace & Defense Division)

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.

The Role

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

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

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 group
• High‑impact leadership role with real operational ownership
• Opportunity to shape site performance, culture and future capability
• Exposure to complex aerospace MRO operations in a regulated environment