Operations Manager - Composite Manufacturing
UK Visa Sponsorship Analytics
Occupation Type
Production managers and directors in manufacturing
Occupation Code Skill LevelHigher Skilled
Sponsorship Salary Threshold
£55,000
(£28.21 per hour)
Occupation rate applies
Above analytics are generated algorithmically based on job titles and may not always be the same as the company's job classification. You can also check detailed occupation eligibility, and salary criteria on our UK Visa Eligible Occupations & Salary Thresholds page.
Disclaimer: Hunt UK Visa Sponsors aggregates job listings from publicly available sources, such as search engines, to assist with your job hunting. We do not claim affiliation with ICOMAT. For the most up-to-date job details, please visit the official website by clicking "Apply Now."
Description
Join iCOMAT – Revolutionising the Future of Lightweight Manufacturing!
iCOMAT is an advanced manufacturing company that invented Rapid Tow Shearing (RTS) - the only proven technology for producing defect-free curved-fiber composite parts at industrial scale. We deliver the lightest structures possible for aerospace, automotive, defense, and space, at a rate and cost efficiency that far exceeds existing composite production processes.
We build and operate automated factories for composite materials, delivering components to Tier 1 suppliers and OEMs. The business has three main divisions: development of automated production machines, development of software design and production tools, and operation of the factory. We work with 25+ customers and completed the largest ever Series A in composites manufacturing to fuel a significant scale-up, with growth plans that will see the business multiply in size over the next two to three years and expand operations into the UK, Europe and the US.
The business has currently more than 130,000 sqm of production capacity with manufacturing facilities in the UK and the US; a Hardware R&D Centre in Bristol, UK; and a Software R&D Centre in Athens, Greece.
We are looking for a proactive and ambitious Operations Manager with a strong, hands-on background in composite materials to lead our production operations and ensure the highest standards in efficiency, quality, and innovation. This is not a maintenance role, it is a growth role. You will own the production floor and drive it forward.
What will you be doing?
iCOMAT is an advanced manufacturing company that invented Rapid Tow Shearing (RTS) - the only proven technology for producing defect-free curved-fiber composite parts at industrial scale. We deliver the lightest structures possible for aerospace, automotive, defense, and space, at a rate and cost efficiency that far exceeds existing composite production processes.
We build and operate automated factories for composite materials, delivering components to Tier 1 suppliers and OEMs. The business has three main divisions: development of automated production machines, development of software design and production tools, and operation of the factory. We work with 25+ customers and completed the largest ever Series A in composites manufacturing to fuel a significant scale-up, with growth plans that will see the business multiply in size over the next two to three years and expand operations into the UK, Europe and the US.
The business has currently more than 130,000 sqm of production capacity with manufacturing facilities in the UK and the US; a Hardware R&D Centre in Bristol, UK; and a Software R&D Centre in Athens, Greece.
We are looking for a proactive and ambitious Operations Manager with a strong, hands-on background in composite materials to lead our production operations and ensure the highest standards in efficiency, quality, and innovation. This is not a maintenance role, it is a growth role. You will own the production floor and drive it forward.
What will you be doing?
- Production Ownership: Run day-to-day operations within the composite production facility. Own the output — volume, quality, on-time delivery — ensuring efficient workflows and meeting production targets.
- Hands-On Leadership: Use your in-depth knowledge of composite manufacturing to actively guide and support the team with technical challenges and process improvements. You can diagnose a layup issue on the floor, not just in a report.
- Team Management: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing operations team. Set the standard, hold people to it, and foster a culture of ownership, collaboration, and relentless improvement.
- Process Optimisation: Identify opportunities to enhance production processes. Introduce lean manufacturing principles to reduce cycle times, eliminate waste, and continuously improve throughput.
- Quality Assurance: Ensure every part leaving the facility meets rigorous quality standards and industry regulations. Partner with the Head of Quality to address issues at the root cause, not the symptom.
- Health & Safety Compliance: Maintain a safe, compliant working environment. Conduct regular safety audits and keep the team focused on prevention, not reaction.
Experience
- Minimum 10 years in a production or operations management role within the composite manufacturing industry.
- Hands-on experience with composite materials and manufacturing processes, including troubleshooting and process development. You have built things with composites, not just managed people who do.
- Strong leadership abilities with experience managing and motivating production teams. You set the pace, you hold the bar.
- Expertise in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies. You see waste before others notice it.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Proficiency in production planning software and Microsoft Office Suite.
Our Values: Uncompromising Excellence
- Discipline over excuses. We commit. We follow through. We hold ourselves and each other to the highest standard, especially when the pressure is on.
- Push the edge. iCOMAT was built on a refusal to accept that curved fiber could not be manufactured at scale. We innovate where others hesitate.
- Aligned and accountable. Everyone owns their lane, communicates openly, and delivers without being chased. No silos. No ambiguity.
- Competitive Salary & Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including private healthcare, pension scheme.
- Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success
- Career Growth Opportunities: Join us at a pivotal time as we scale up, offering unmatched professional growth opportunities in the rapidly advancing field of composite materials.
- Innovation-Focused Culture: We pride ourselves on our inclusive, forward-thinking work environment. Recognized by Bloomberg as a "UK Startup to Watch," iCOMAT celebrates diversity and encourages all applicants, regardless of background, to apply.
iCOMAT is an Advanced Manufacturing business, which provides state-of-the-art lightweighting solutions based on the Rapid Tow Shearing (RTS) process.
We are proud to collaborate with the world’s top OEMs and end-users. Together we develop new frontiers in automated composites manufacturing which revolutionises the aerospace, automotive and space sectors.