Head of Operations

Location:

Clayton West, Huddersfield

Salary: £70,000 + Company Car or Car Allowance

Benefits: 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays, Pension

Full-time | Permanent

We are recruiting for an experienced Head of Operations to join an established engineering and manufacturing business based in Huddersfield.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded operational leader to take responsibility for three key functions – Production, Procurement and Technical/QHSE – with a clear focus on improving efficiency, performance, profitability and customer delivery.

Reporting directly to the Operations Director, you will lead an experienced management team comprising the Production Manager, Purchasing Manager and Technical Manager.

A key priority will be to bring these functions together, creating a more joined-up, accountable and efficient operation. We are looking for someone who can see the bigger picture but is equally comfortable getting into the operational detail, challenging existing processes and implementing improvements.

• Take overall responsibility for Production, Procurement and Technical/QHSE performance.
• Lead, coach and develop three departmental managers, creating a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Drive improvements in production efficiency, capacity utilisation, scheduling and on-time delivery.
• Oversee purchasing, materials planning, supplier performance and stock management.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs, improve margins and minimise operational waste.
• Ensure production planning, procurement and customer requirements are effectively aligned.
• Work closely with the Technical Manager to ensure quality, health & safety and environmental standards are maintained.
• Introduce and monitor meaningful KPIs to drive operational performance and informed decision-making.
• Identify bottlenecks, challenge existing ways of working and implement practical, sustainable improvements.
• Build a stronger, more structured operational function that can operate effectively with greater autonomy.

We are particularly interested in speaking with candidates who have a strong background in engineering, manufacturing or machine shop environments, ideally with experience spanning both production and procurement.

You will need to demonstrate:

• Proven experience in a senior Operations Management, Manufacturing Management or similar leadership role.
• A strong understanding of production processes, planning and scheduling within an engineering environment.
• Hands-on experience of procurement, production buying, materials management and supplier relationships.
• Commercial awareness, with the ability to understand and influence cost, productivity and operational performance.
• Experience managing and developing teams, ideally including departmental managers.
• Confidence working with KPIs, performance data and continuous improvement initiatives.
• A practical, proactive approach to problem-solving and implementing change.
• A good understanding of quality, health & safety and operational compliance.

Experience of CNC machining, fabrication, assembly, MRP/ERP systems, Lean manufacturing and inventory management would be particularly advantageous.

This is a genuinely influential position within an established manufacturing business, offering the opportunity to take ownership of a broad operational remit and make a measurable difference.

Our client is looking for someone who can bring structure, commercial discipline and stronger collaboration across the business without introducing unnecessary bureaucracy.

You will have the support of the Operations Director, together with the autonomy to develop your management team, improve processes and shape the way the operation runs.

For an ambitious Operations Manager or Manufacturing Manager ready to step into a broader leadership role, this could be an excellent next move.