Head of Operations & Supply Chain

Head of Operations and Supply Chain

Business: Privately owned
Turnover: c.£20m
Location: Sheffield, on-site with international supplier engagement
Reports to: Managing Director
Scope: Operations, Supply Chain, Planning, Manufacturing and Assembly

Elevation Recruitment Group are exclusively partnered with a growing manufacturer in Sheffield on this senior leadership role. The business operates smoothly but has plenty of opportunity for improvement, growth, and leadership influence.

With around 15,000 SKUs, an international supplier base, and small‑scale manufacturing and assembly on site, this is a chance to make a real impact. You will join an ambitious, hands‑on senior leadership team where initiative is valued and results are visible.

This role combines operational leadership with the opportunity to shape the planning function, embed processes, and influence culture across the business.

Operational Leadership

• Take ownership of operations including supply chain, procurement, planning, manufacturing, assembly, warehousing and logistics
• Translate business objectives into clear operational plans and priorities
• Introduce structure, rhythm, and accountability to daily, weekly, and monthly operations

Supply Chain and International Suppliers

• Lead and develop relationships with international suppliers
• Improve delivery performance, quality, cost control, and lead times
• Strengthen supply chain reliability through planning and supplier management

Manufacturing and Assembly

• Oversee on‑site manufacturing and assembly operations
• Drive improvements in safety, quality, productivity, and workflow
• Ensure operations can scale efficiently without relying on individual heroics

Planning, Process and SQDCP

• Implement and embed operational processes across the business
• Lead the development of the planning function including demand, supply, and capacity planning
• Review and optimise the inventory process to improve stock availability, reduce waste, and support accurate planning
• Introduce and lead SQDCP boards covering Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People to improve visibility, engagement, and performance
• Establish clear KPIs and operational cadence using data to guide decision‑making

Culture and Leadership

• Build a strong operational culture focused on ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Lead, coach, and develop teams across operations and supply chain
• Be a visible, credible leader who sets standards and drives delivery

Experience

• Senior operational leadership experience in a high‑volume SKU environment
• Proven background managing international supply chains
• Experience overseeing manufacturing and assembly operations
• Track record of implementing operational processes, planning frameworks, and performance management tools such as SQDCP

Capability

• Strategically minded while remaining operationally grounded
• Comfortable working in a privately owned business where initiative, pragmatism, and delivery matter
• Commercially aware with a clear understanding of how operations impact margin, cash, and customer performance

Leadership Style

• Ambitious and motivated to make a visible impact
• Structured and process‑led without being overly corporate
• Hands‑on when required and confident leading and influencing at all levels

This is a role with real ownership and influence. You will be joining an operation that works and has strong foundations but plenty of room to improve and grow. Your leadership will shape processes, team development, and operational performance. If you want to make a tangible difference and see the results of your work quickly, this is a highly visible, high‑impact opportunity in Sheffield.