Hamilton Appointments
Head of Operations
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Head of Operations - Manufacturing - Milton Keynes Outskirts - Permanent
Are you an experienced senior operations professional with a strong background in manufacturing and a proven track record of improving efficiency, quality and operational performance?
We are currently recruiting for an experienced Head of Operations to join an established and successful manufacturing business based in the Bedford / Milton Keynes area.
This is a senior leadership opportunity for someone who enjoys taking ownership, leading teams and driving meaningful operational improvement across a busy manufacturing environment.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, you'll have overall responsibility for a wide range of operational functions, including production flow, logistics, warehouse and stores, quality, technical, health and safety, maintenance, IT and compliance.
You'll play a key role in translating business priorities into clear operational plans, developing management teams and creating a safe, efficient and high-performing operation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead production flow, capacity planning, logistics and pre-production readiness
- Take overall responsibility for operational performance across quality, technical standards, compliance, health and safety and facilities
- Lead and develop managers across multiple operational functions
- Set clear objectives, standards and accountability across the Operations team
- Drive improvements in productivity, efficiency, waste, downtime and on-time delivery
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives across the business
- Chair regular operational performance meetings, ensuring clear actions, ownership and deadlines
- Monitor machinery, site and equipment performance to ensure operational continuity
- Lead root-cause analysis and problem-solving across departments
- Work closely with Customer Experience to ensure operational commitments and priorities are communicated effectively
- Work alongside Finance on cost control, stock, purchasing, investment and margin improvement
- Provide regular performance, risk and resource updates to the Leadership Team, Managing Director and Board
- Develop and coach managers, including performance management and succession planning
- Ensure high standards of health and safety, quality and compliance are maintained throughout the operation
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About You
They're looking for a confident and experienced senior operations leader who has the ability to lead from the front while also developing and empowering their management team.
You'll ideally have:
- Proven senior operations leadership experience within a manufacturing environment
- Experience managing multiple operational functions and departmental managers
- A strong track record of improving productivity, efficiency and operational performance
- Experience of Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement and KPI-driven management
- Strong understanding of quality, health and safety, technical compliance and maintenance
- Excellent problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills
- Strong commercial awareness, including cost, margin, stock and purchasing
- Excellent leadership and people management skills
- A data-led and analytical approach to decision-making
- The confidence to challenge constructively and make informed decisions
- A calm, practical and decisive leadership style
- High standards and a strong sense of ownership and accountability
- A relevant management, manufacturing or engineering qualification would be desirable
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Experience within building products or engineered products would be advantageous.
What's on Offer?
- £70,000 per annum
- Full-time, permanent position
- Senior leadership position reporting directly to the Board
- Site-based role
- Opportunity to have a significant influence on operational performance and business improvement
- Supportive leadership environment
- Opportunity to lead and develop a multi-functional operations team
- Genuine opportunity to make a measurable impact within an established manufacturing business
If you're an experienced Head of Operations or Senior Operations Manager looking for an opportunity where you can take ownership, develop people and drive genuine operational improvement, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply online today or send us a message with your CV to find out more.
Due to the volume of applications we may not be able to respond to all applications. If you do not hear from us within 7 days unfortunately you have not been successful on this occasion.
This vacancy is being advertised by Hamilton Appointments, who are acting as an Employment Agency.
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