Head of Operations

Location: Tring

Head of Operations page is loaded## Head of Operations locations:
Tring, Hertfordshire, England, UKtime type:
Full time posted on:
Posted Todayjob requisition :
REQ-11138

Company:
Ultra Intelligence & Communications Communications Business#
** Powering Decision
** Join the team redefining defense technology. From engineering systems that save lives to leading programs that change the battlefield—find your place in the future of defense.
** Communications Business
** By joining the Communications Business within Ultra I&C, your unique talents will be pivotal in shaping global communication for our dedicated warfighters. Your contributions will create cutting-edge solutions that enable precise, timely, and secure exchange of voice, video, and data communications for military applications. These advancements leverage high-capacity tactical radio, advanced waveforms, and state-of-the-art satellite communications technology.#
** Job Description
** To lead and develop all operational functions across manufacturing, supply chain, and production support within a low-volume, high-value engineering environment.  The Head of Operations will ensure that safety, quality, delivery and cost metrics are achieved through effective leadership, robust processes, and a culture of continuous improvement.

Ultra I&C's Communications business is recruiting for a Head of Operations, to lead and develop all operational functions across manufacturing, supply chain, and production support within a low-volume, high-value engineering environment.

Based:
Tring, Hertfordshire
*
* Key Responsibilities:

*** Provide strategic and day-to-day leadership to Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Logistics teams.
* Own and deliver operational KPIs across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Improvements (SQDCI).
* Drive Lean and 6S principles across all areas to deliver measurable improvements in efficiency, waste reduction, and on-time delivery.
* Manage production within a multi-disciplined manufacturing environment including CNC machining, PCB Assembly, Wiring and advanced Mechanical Assembly environment, ensuring strong collaboration between Engineering, Planning, Quality and Purchasing.
* Lead capacity planning, production scheduling, and materials management to meet customer commitments and future demand.
* Champion Health & Safety standards, ensuring compliance with legal, corporate, and ISO management system requirements.
* Lead supply-chain optimisation through strategic sourcing, supplier development, and risk management.
* Support new product introduction (NPI) and R&D programmes, ensuring smooth industrialisation from prototype to production.
* Mentor, coach, and develop team leaders and operators in line with personal development plans and skills matrices.
* Partner with engineering design, procurement, and finance to support business planning, cost reduction initiatives, and margin improvement.
* Drive effective change management through a structured ECR/ECN process, ensuring that changes are prioritised, implemented, and communicated in line with operational and customer demands.
* Ensure robust problem-solving and root cause analysis processes (8D, DMAIC) are embedded across operations.
* Drive a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement across all manufacturing operations.
* Join bid team as functional lead, to support major bids where required.
* Own systems for providing accurate product cost and stock valuation
** Required

Skills and Experience:

*** Proven leadership experience in operations management within precision engineering, defence, aerospace, or similar low-volume/high-complexity manufacturing.
* Demonstrated background in precision manufacturing and electronic assembly, including experience with CNC machining, PCB Assembly, and build-to-print processes in line with RoHS and IPC-A-610 quality standards.
* Recognised engineering apprenticeship and/or HNC/HND/Degree in an engineering discipline.
* Strong understanding of Lean manufacturing, 6S, and continuous improvement methodologies.
* Excellent working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems, capacity planning, and scheduling.
* Demonstrated success in supplier…