Operations & Business Development Manager

Job Description:

Operations & Business Development Manager

Leicester – on site

c£50,000 p.a.

• Are you a hands-on operational leader with a commercial mindset?
• Can you balance workflow efficiency with growing customer relationships and revenue?
• Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where leadership, quality, and customer satisfaction are key?

The Company:

ER Recruitment is excited to be working with our client, a well-established and highly respected manufacturing business specialising in bespoke metal fabrication and precision engineering. Known for its exceptional workmanship and customer focus, the company is entering a phase of growth and is looking to appoint an experienced Operations & Business Development Manager. This role is pivotal in driving operational performance while actively contributing to commercial success through client engagement, quoting, and developing new business opportunities.

Role & Responsibilities of the Operations & Business Development Manager:

• Oversee the day-to-day activity of the fabrications and operations team, ensuring performance targets and deadlines are consistently met.
• Lead and motivate the team, including a hands-on Workshop Supervisor, to deliver high-quality work in a safe and efficient environment.
• Manage customer quotes, ensuring they are accurate, timely, and commercially viable.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, acting as a key point of contact for technical queries and bespoke requirements.
• Proactively identify new business opportunities and contribute to sales growth through exceptional service delivery and networking.
• Manage production schedules, resource allocation, and project delivery timelines.
• Review and authorise orders against technical drawings and specifications.
• Continuously seek opportunities to improve processes, reduce waste, and drive operational excellence.
• Ensure health & safety compliance and promote a culture of quality and continuous improvement.
• Provide hands-on support in the workshop when required, particularly on complex or priority jobs.

About You as the Operations & Business Development Manager:

• Proven experience in an operational management role within a fabrication, engineering, or manufacturing environment.
• Commercially astute with experience in quoting, pricing, and managing customer accounts.
• Strong leadership qualities — able to inspire, guide, and challenge team members to perform at their best.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, capable of developing long-term customer relationships and spotting growth opportunities.
• Competent in interpreting CAD drawings and technical specs; familiar with machine programming and Excel.
• Quality-driven with excellent problem-solving skills and an eye for operational detail.
• Proactive, practical, and hands-on — comfortable rolling up your sleeves when needed.

Please note by applying for this role you give consent for ER Recruitment to retain your CV for up to 24 months for the purposes of assisting you to find your next role unless you notify us otherwise.

While we aim to get back to all applicants, if you do not receive a response within 7 working days then unfortunately your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

We are here to help with your career so please send a copy of your CV to us. If you know of anyone else who is looking for their next opportunity, please feel free to refer them to us or pass on our details.

We look forward to hearing from you.