Job Description

Head of Operations - Manufacturing & Production

We're seeking an exceptional Operations leader to help drive a significant transformation in how we manufacture and deliver products. As we move from a legacy production model focused on a single, mass-configurable product to a dynamic, multi-platform product development approach, this role will be instrumental in reshaping our operational capabilities to support innovation, flexibility, and scale.

This position will oversee production, manufacturing engineering, and facilities & maintenance teams. Based primarily at our Greenford manufacturing site, you will also have oversight of a satellite facility in Sheffield.

This is a unique opportunity to lead operational transformation at a company that is scaling up to meet growing customer demand and entering a new era of product diversity and complexity.

Key Responsibilities

Production Management

Oversee all manufacturing operations, including production output, financial performance, and customer satisfaction. Collaborate with planning and factory managers to maintain daily production schedules. Lead risk assessments and ensure all manufacturing activities comply with health and safety standards. Develop and coach high-performing teams to meet operational, financial, and personal goals. Track performance with reports and communicate key actions to executive leadership. Apply technical expertise across the production process to align KPIs and OKRs with strategic objectives. Maintain an efficient, structured production environment with a focus on continuous improvement.

Strategy and Development

Shape the vision and strategy for manufacturing and facilities, ensuring continuous development. Identify operational risks and implement mitigation strategies. Contribute to wider business strategy and budgeting processes. Drive innovation in manufacturing and ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards.

General and Task Management

Collaborate cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Quality, and Customer Service to deliver a customer-centric approach. Lead cost-performance optimisation through strategic investments and waste minimisation. Promote lean principles and continuous improvement culture. Ensure timely and efficient production scheduling through close cooperation with planning teams. Support digital transformation in operations via ERP and control systems. Play a critical role in New Product Introduction (NPI) to ensure readiness across all production areas.

Financial and Budget Management

Develop and manage budgets for manufacturing and facilities. Prepare and maintain accurate annual budgets and forecasts. Oversee capital expenditure proposals for operational improvements. Ensure accurate stock control and effective WIP management to maintain lean, flexible production.

Relationship Management

Build and maintain strong internal and external stakeholder relationships to drive performance and best practices. Provide timely updates and reports to senior leadership on manufacturing KPIs and operations progress. Communicate technological changes and supply chain impacts effectively across teams. Recommend cost-effective solutions that maintain product quality and service levels. Contribute to new business initiatives and assess operational impacts.

About You

Proven leadership experience, with strong team-building and development capabilities. Excellent stakeholder and supplier management skills. Skilled negotiator with experience across all levels of an organisation. Outstanding communicator and influencer. Strong problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities. Commercially savvy and budget-conscious. Resilient, self-motivated, and thrives under pressure. Technical mindset with a strong grasp of manufacturing systems and practices. Culturally aware and capable of managing cross-cultural teams.

Desired Experience

Degree in engineering, manufacturing, or related field, or equivalent NVQ Level 7. Strong track record of resolving complex operational challenges. Experience managing cost, quality, and delivery targets in a production setting. Skilled in managing workloads, schedules, and cross-functional collaboration. Familiar with ERP systems in a manufacturing environment. Experience with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement. Six Sigma certification is a plus. Member or Fellow of a relevant professional body.
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 60,000.00-100,000.00 per year

Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: OpsDirector