Head of Operations

Our client, which is part of a successful, global manufacturing organisation, now requires a Head of Operations to be responsible for leading and transforming the operational functions within their business unit.

This strategic and hands on leadership role will focus on delivering world class operational performance through improved efficiency, increased productivity, cost reduction, enhanced quality and outstanding customer delivery.

Reporting to the MD of the business, as the Head of Operations
, you will be responsible for but not limited to:

• developing and executing an operations strategy which delivers improvements in productivity, throughput, cost efficiency and customer service
• overseeing end to end manufacturing operations including on site and outsourced
• improving labour utilisation, resource allocation and production scheduling whilst ensuring capacity planning is aligned to sales demand
• leading the continuous improvement roadmap
• overseeing the procurement strategy
• owning product quality and ensuring a safety first culture across all operational teams
• leadership responsibilities across the operational side business relating to codes of conduct, training, workforce development, effective communications, recruitment, performance development and succession planning

As the Head of Operations
, you will be required to operate at a strategic level in order to devise, implement and influence at all levels throughout the business.

Ideally of graduate or HNC/ HND standard, from within a manufacturing, engineering or operations based discipline, candidates for the Head of Operations role will also preferably have additional training in quality systems and/ or compliance standards.

In addition, candidates for the Head of Operations role will also be required to demonstrate that they:

• have previous experience of working in an operations, production or manufacturing management role, ideally within a complex or multi-national organisation, overseeing multi-discipline teams
• have a proven track record of managing factory operations including production planning, procurement, workflow optimisation, labour allocation and output performance
• are highly motivated and results driven, with a proven track record of delivering success
• have a strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement
• have a good working knowledge of MS Office applications as well as a familiarity with ERP / MRP systems and production reporting tools
• have experience of ISO 9001, ISO
  45001 or similar quality and safety systems

Candidates for the Head of Operations role should also have:

• excellent communication skills and the ability to be flexible in a challenging environment
• the capability to be a hands‑on type individual, who demonstrates initiative with a positive and professional outlook
• the ability to work effectively within a team but also under their own initiative, demonstrating that they are an organised and capable individual, used to multi-tasking and can prioritise their workload in order to meet exacting deadlines
• the ability to be commercially astute, analytical and results driven with a strong commitment to success and excellence
• the capacity to be a strong, capable leader, with the presence to motivate and influence across all levels of the business

Candidates for the Head of Operations are also required to hold a full valid UK driving licence.