Head of Operations (future MD)

Head of Operations (Future Managing Director) Location: Stone, Staffordshire Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent Salary: Up to £130,000 + Profit Share Benefits: 33 days holiday including Bank Holidays, Contributory NEST Pension, Company Sick Pay Scheme, Christmas Shutdown, Annual Salary Review About the Company My client is an established UK manufacturer specialising in advanced polymer-based manufacturing processes, supplying a diverse customer base across sectors including automotive, healthcare and industrial equipment. The business has built a strong reputation for quality, innovation and customer service and continues to invest in advanced manufacturing technologies, people and long-term growth. As a successful privately owned organisation with an established leadership team and loyal workforce, the company offers a supportive, collaborative and forward-thinking culture where employees are genuinely valued and rewarded for their contribution. The Opportunity This is a rare opportunity to join a successful privately owned manufacturing business in a role that is expected to develop into succession for the current Managing Director, who will continue as Chairman. You will be responsible for leading the day-to-day operation of the business while helping shape its long-term strategic direction. Working closely with the Board, you will build upon an already successful operation, developing people, strengthening leadership capability, improving performance and ensuring the business is positioned for sustainable growth. The successful candidate will bring a strong combination of operational leadership, commercial awareness and people development. You will be equally comfortable on the shop floor, in customer meetings and contributing to board-level decisions. Key Responsibilities Provide overall leadership across manufacturing, engineering, maintenance, quality, supply chain, HSE and support functions. Develop a culture of operational excellence, accountability and continuous improvement. Coach, mentor and develop managers, creating a strong succession pipeline and future leadership capability. Drive improvements in productivity, efficiency, quality, delivery performance and profitability. Lead capital investment projects and support the adoption of new technologies and manufacturing systems. Maintain strong relationships with key customers and represent the business at senior-level meetings. Work closely with financial, technical and commercial leadership to achieve growth and profitability objectives. Support business development activities, identifying opportunities for growth within existing and new markets. Ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental and regulatory requirements. Build strong relationships with suppliers and negotiate key commercial agreements where required. Contribute to strategic planning, organisational development and long-term business growth initiatives. Assume overall responsibility for implementing manufacturing, commercial, financial and operational policies. What We're Looking For Essential Significant senior leadership experience within a manufacturing environment. Proven experience leading operational teams and delivering measurable business improvement. Strong people leadership skills with a track record of developing high-performing teams and future leaders. Experience managing change, driving operational excellence and embedding continuous improvement cultures. Strong commercial and financial acumen, including budget, cost and profit responsibility. Experience working closely with customers, suppliers and senior stakeholders. Credible, visible leadership style with the ability to engage at all levels of an organisation. Strategic thinker with the ability to balance long-term direction and day-to-day operational demands. Highly Desirable Experience within plastics manufacturing, polymer processing, injection moulding, rotational moulding, automotive, engineered products or other complex manufacturing environments. Experience leading capital investment, automation or manufacturing transformation programmes. Full site, business unit or divisional P&L responsibility. Experience operating within SME, privately owned or entrepreneurial manufacturing businesses. Degree qualified in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business or a related discipline. MBA, Master's degree or equivalent leadership qualification. Personal Attributes Commercially minded and results focused. Confident, credible and inspiring leader. Collaborative and approachable management style. Curious, proactive and solutions driven. Strong communicator with the ability to influence across all levels. Passionate about developing people and building long-term organisational capability. Future Progression This position forms a key part of the company's succession planning strategy, with the successful individual expected to develop into the future Managing Director of the business. 2-stage onsite interview process including assessments.