Head of Operations
About the Opportunity
Our client is a well-established and growing manufacturer with an international customer base. They are seeking an experienced Head of Operations to lead and develop their operational functions, ensuring the business continues to deliver exceptional quality, efficiency and customer satisfaction while supporting future growth.
This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for driving operational performance across manufacturing, supply chain, quality, logistics and new product introduction. The successful candidate will work closely with senior stakeholders to develop robust processes, improve efficiency and ensure the organisation remains scalable, agile and customer-focused.
The Role
The Head of Operations will provide strategic and operational leadership across the business, ensuring the effective coordination of people, processes and resources.
You will be responsible for creating a high-performance operational environment, driving continuous improvement initiatives and ensuring products are delivered to customers efficiently, compliantly and to the highest standards of quality.
This role requires a commercially minded leader who can balance operational excellence with long-term business objectives while developing strong relationships across internal teams and external partners.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the operational strategy, ensuring alignment with wider business goals.
- Oversee manufacturing, supply chain, logistics and quality functions to ensure efficient and effective operations.
- Drive operational excellence initiatives focused on productivity, quality, cost reduction and service improvement.
- Lead planning and resource management activities to support business demand and growth.
- Ensure robust inventory management, supplier performance and operational controls are maintained.
- Oversee the successful introduction of new products into production, ensuring smooth implementation and scalability.
- Champion continuous improvement initiatives and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and innovation.
- Monitor operational KPIs and implement corrective actions where required.
- Ensure compliance with relevant quality standards, regulatory requirements and internal governance processes.
- Develop strong relationships with suppliers, partners and key stakeholders to support business objectives.
- Lead, coach and develop operational teams, creating a high-performance culture across the organisation.
- Support strategic business projects, systems improvements and operational transformation initiatives.
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Proven leadership experience in an Operations Manager, Head of Operations or similar senior operational role within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, supply chain management and quality systems.
- Experience driving operational improvements and implementing best practice processes.
- Commercially aware with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Experience managing cross-functional teams and multiple operational disciplines.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Experience working with ERP systems and operational reporting tools.
- Ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on operational leadership.
Desirable
- Experience leading new product introduction (NPI) programmes.
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma or continuous improvement methodologies.
- Experience working within an international manufacturing environment.
- Professional qualifications in Operations, Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain or a related discipline.
What's on Offer
This is an exciting opportunity to join a successful manufacturing business in a key leadership position. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape operational strategy, drive business improvements and play a significant role in the organisation's future growth and success.
Contact Sam to find out more