Head of Operations

Job Overview

We are hiring for a Head of Operations who is responsible for the strategic leadership, planning, and execution of operational activities across the organisation. This role ensures efficient, safe, and cost-effective delivery of products while driving continuous improvement, operational excellence, and alignment with business objectives.

The position leads cross‑functional operational teams and ensures performance against key business metrics including quality, delivery, cost, safety, and customer satisfaction. The role is based at our site in Gateshead and reports to the Vice President of Operations.

Operational Leadership

• Lead day‑to‑day operational activities in production, supply chain, logistics, and operational support functions.
• Develop and execute the operations strategy aligned to company goals.
• Ensure operational capability supports current and future business growth.
• Drive high standards of operational discipline and accountability.

Performance & KPIs

• Own operational KPIs including on‑time delivery, productivity, cost efficiency, quality performance, and safety performance.
• Implement performance management frameworks and regular operational reviews.
• Identify risks to delivery and implement mitigation plans.

Continuous Improvement

• Champion continuous improvement initiatives across the organisation.
• Implement lean manufacturing and operational excellence methodologies.
• Lead efficiency and productivity improvement projects.
• Promote a culture of problem solving and data‑driven decision making.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage operational budgets.
• Deliver cost optimisation initiatives without compromising quality or safety.
• Monitor operational performance against financial targets.

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop operational leadership teams.
• Build high‑performing teams and succession plans.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and engagement.

Supply Chain & Partner Management

• Oversee supplier and contract manufacturer relationships as applicable.
• Ensure supply chain resilience and performance.
• Work collaboratively with procurement and external partners.

Quality, Compliance & Safety

• Ensure adherence to quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain strong health, safety, and environmental performance.
• Ensure operational processes comply with company and industry standards.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Engineering, Commercial teams, Finance, R&D, and Quality.
• Support product launches, scaling of production and operational readiness.

Experience and Skills

• Extensive strategic expertise in operations, manufacturing, and supply chain management at the leadership level.
• Proven track record delivering operational performance improvements.
• Robust experience overseeing multi‑disciplinary operational teams.
• In‑depth experience managing complex operational environments.
• Performance management and KPI ownership.
• Highly skilled in Lean and operational excellence approaches.
• Strong financial and commercial awareness.
• Robust stakeholder management capabilities.
• Excellent problem‑solving and decision‑making capability.

Qualifications

A degree or equivalent in engineering, operations management, or a related discipline is required. Relevant experience may also be considered.

Attributes

• Enthusiastic, flexible and able to thrive and succeed in times of ambiguity and change.
• Structured individual with ability to interact and communicate at all levels of the organisation.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication and relationship‑building skills with internal and external stakeholders.
• Good commercial awareness and proactive problem‑solving skills to ensure business needs are understood and solutions delivered.
• Ability to work well under pressure, prioritise work accordingly and meet tight deadlines.
• Pro‑active ownership of tasks and follow‑through to completion.
• Model highest degree of moral and ethical behaviour.
• Ability to work alone with minimum guidance and as part of a team.
• Confident, thoughtful and able to articulate ideas to both technical and non‑technical team members.
• Ability to mentor and train effectively, supporting development through hands‑on or practical experience.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to engage and drive a positive high‑performance culture.
• Agile approach to work.
• Tackle problems with creativity and innovation.
• Hungry for success, self‑motivated, results‑driven and ambitious.
• Able to travel within and outside the UK.

Turntide Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.