Head of Operations Job Rochdale area,England UK,Engineering

Head of Operations Role Purpose Lead end-to-end operations across a precision multi-axis CNC machining business to deliver Right First Time quality, industry-leading OTIF performance, and competitive cost. The Head of Operations owns the production system—from sales handover and planning through machining, special processes/sub-contract management, assembly, inspection, and despatch—driving safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people development in line with growth strategy across Aerospace, Defence, and Industrial sectors.

Key Responsibilities

Safety, Compliance & Governance

Champion a zero-harm culture; ensure full compliance with UK HSE legislation and customer/prime contractor requirements.
Maintain and continuously improve certifications (e.g., AS9100 Rev D / ISO 9001); ensure robust change control, risk management, PPAP/FAI and control of special processes.
Ensure Defence sector compliance where applicable (e.g., export controls/ITAR awareness, custody of controlled data, visitor control, Cyber Essentials practices).

Operational Leadership & Execution

Own the daily/weekly production plan, capacity loading, and S&OP alignment; deliver confirmed customer promise dates and >95% OTIF.
Lead multi-axis machining operations (3, 4, 5‑axis milling; mill‑turn; turning centres), programming workflow (CAM), setup optimisation, tool management, and robust first‑off approvals.
Oversee NPI/industrialisation: process routing, work instructions, PFMEA/Control Plans, tooling/fixturing design sign‑off, and Capability Studies (Cp/Cpk).
Manage subcontract/special processes (e.g., heat treatment, anodising, passivation, coatings, NDT) to specification and lead time.
Drive Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and asset care to maximise OEE and uptime; approve capex for new machines, automation, and metrology.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

Own quality KPIs (PPM, scrap, rework, concessions) and drive Right First Time culture using Lean/Six Sigma tools (5S, VSM, SMED, Poka Yoke, Statistical Process Control).
Ensure robust metrology and inspection (CMM programming, GD&T interpretation, calibration control) and effective MRB/8D problem solving.
Introduce standard work, visual management, and tiered daily management to stabilise and continuously improve flow.

Required Experience & Qualifications

Significant senior operations leadership in precision CNC machining (multi‑axis milling and turning) for Aerospace/Defence environments.
Proven track record delivering AS9100 Rev D compliant operations, customer audits, and NPI/FAI through to stable serial production.
Expertise in Lean/Six Sigma with measurable improvements in OEE, lead time, and cost (Green Belt or higher preferred).
Strong working knowledge of GD&T, CMM/inspection techniques, SPC, PFMEA/Control Plans, and special process controls.
Hands‑on competence with ERP/MRP systems and finite capacity scheduling.
Commercial acumen in cost modelling, make/buy, and supplier development.
Excellent leadership, communication, and change management skills across shop floor to boardroom.
Desirable:
Degree/HNC in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering (or equivalent), IOSH/NEBOSH, ASQ certification, experience with automation/robotic tending and digital manufacturing.

Competencies & Behaviours

Strategic Operator:
Can convert growth strategy into a resourced, staged operating plan.
Data Driven:
Uses facts, SPC, and financials to prioritise and sustain improvements.
Decisive & Hands On:
Comfortable on the shop floor and in the boardroom; leads by example.
Customer Focused:
Anticipates needs of primes/Tier 1s; proactive communication and recovery planning.
Continuous Improvement Mindset:
Relentless on stability, flow, and waste elimination.

What We Offer

Opportunity to shape and scale a high‑precision operation serving mission‑critical sectors.
Investment mindset: modern machine tools, metrology, and CI programmes.
Highly competitive package commensurate with experience, plus performance bonus tied to SQDCP outcomes.

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