Job Description
Location: Hertfordshire
Reports to: General Manager
Purpose of the Role
The Head of Operations is responsible for leading and developing all operational functions across manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and production support within a low-volume, high-value engineering environment.
The role ensures that Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Improvement (SQDCI) objectives are consistently achieved through strong leadership, robust operational processes, and a culture of continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
Provide strategic and day-to-day leadership across Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Logistics functions.
Own and deliver operational performance against SQDCI KPIs.
Drive a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement across all operational teams.
Manufacturing & Production
Lead operations within a multi-disciplined manufacturing environment, including:
CNC machining
PCB assembly
Wiring and electro-mechanical assembly
Advanced mechanical assembly
Ensure effective cross-functional collaboration between Engineering, Planning, Quality, and Purchasing.
Lead capacity planning, production scheduling, and materials management to meet customer commitments and forecast demand.
Continuous Improvement
Drive Lean Manufacturing and 6S principles across all areas, delivering measurable improvements in efficiency, waste reduction, and on-time delivery.
Embed structured problem-solving and root cause analysis methodologies (8D, DMAIC) throughout operations.
Lead effective change management via ECR/ECN processes, ensuring changes are prioritised, implemented, and communicated in line with operational and customer requirements.
Supply Chain & Cost Control
Lead supply chain optimisation through strategic sourcing, supplier development, performance management, and risk mitigation.
Partner with Procurement and Finance to deliver cost reduction initiatives, margin improvement, and robust business planning.
Own systems and processes for accurate product costing and stock valuation.
Quality, Safety & Compliance
Champion Health & Safety standards, ensuring compliance with legal, corporate, and ISO management system requirements.
Ensure manufacturing processes comply with RoHS, IPC-A-610, and applicable quality standards.
Support audits and maintain compliance with ISO 9001 / AS9100 where applicable.
New Product Introduction & Growth
Support New Product Introduction (NPI) and R&D programmes, ensuring smooth industrialisation from prototype through to volume production.
Act as functional lead on major bids as part of the bid team, where required.
People Development
Mentor, coach, and develop team leaders and operators through structured PDPs and skills matrices.
Build strong leadership capability within operations to support future growth and succession planning.
Required Skills and Experience
Proven senior leadership experience in operations management within precision engineering, defence, aerospace, or similar low-volume/high-complexity manufacturing environments.
Strong background in precision manufacturing and electronic assembly, including CNC machining, PCB assembly, and build-to-print production.
Recognised engineering apprenticeship and/or HNC, HND, or Degree in an engineering discipline.
Strong working knowledge of Lean manufacturing, 6S, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Excellent understanding of ERP/MRP systems, capacity planning, and production scheduling.
Demonstrated success in supplier development, quality improvement, and cost reduction initiatives.
High level of Health & Safety awareness with experience implementing safe systems of work.
Strong analytical and data-driven approach to operational performance management.
Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Desirable Experience
Exposure to carbon fibre composite manufacture, RF/waveguide fabrication, or advanced electronic assembly.
Knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 and/or AS9100 quality management systems.
Experience working closely with Engineering and R&D teams to industrialise new designs.
Project management experience within a multi-disciplinary engineering organisation.
Key Attributes
Results-driven, pragmatic, and hands-on leadership style.
Confident communicator at all levels of the organisation.
Proactive, solution-focused, and commercially aware.
Strong commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement.
Please get in touch to discuss further details! This is a Great opportunity with a Great client!
