Head of Operations

Recruiter: Michael Page
Location: Liverpool
Salary: £70,000 to £90,000 + benefits
Application date: 25th Jul 2025

About Our Client
Our client is a well-established and growing manufacturing company currently recruiting a Head of Operations at their Liverpool site.

Job Description
The Head of Operations will serve as the senior leader responsible for overseeing the entire plant's operations, ensuring efficient production, effective resource utilization, and adherence to high safety and quality standards. This role requires strategic planning and hands-on management to achieve operational excellence and align plant performance with corporate objectives. The Head of Operations will lead cross-functional teams, optimize processes, and foster a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate is an experienced leader with a strong manufacturing background, high problem-solving skills, and the ability to motivate teams to achieve ambitious goals.

1. Develop and execute the plant's long-term strategic objectives, aligning with corporate goals and market demands.
2. Create and implement operational plans to achieve productivity, efficiency, and profitability targets.
3. Lead initiatives to expand capacity, improve product quality, and reduce costs.
4. Regularly assess plant performance and present updates, challenges, and recommendations to senior leadership.
5. Oversee daily plant operations and production, ensuring all support departments (maintenance, quality, logistics, safety) function cohesively.
6. Manage production schedules to meet customer requirements and delivery timelines.
7. Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for Safety, Quality, Cost, On-time delivery, Equipment, and People.
8. Coordinate with supply chain teams to ensure raw materials, components, and resources are available for uninterrupted production.
9. Build, manage, and mentor a high-performing team of department heads, supervisors, and staff.
10. Conduct performance appraisals, set clear expectations, and create professional development plans for employees.
11. Promote a culture of accountability, empowerment, and collaboration.
12. Lead workforce planning initiatives, including hiring, training, and succession planning.
13. Act as the primary liaison between the plant and corporate leadership, ensuring clear communication of goals, challenges, and results.
14. Collaborate with sales, technical, and supply chain teams to align production with business needs.
15. Partner with HR to address workforce issues, including conflict resolution, training, and employee engagement.
16. Work with external stakeholders, including vendors, contractors, and local authorities, to support operational goals.

The Successful Applicant
Proven experience in manufacturing or industrial operations, with a track record in a senior site leadership role.
Demonstrated success in managing and motivating teams within complex or high-volume production environments.
Proven ability to deliver high performance in Safety, Quality, and Delivery.
Strong knowledge of manufacturing systems, processes, and best practices.
Proficiency with ERP systems and data analysis tools is advantageous.
Expertise in Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
Familiarity with modern manufacturing technologies.
Engineering/maintenance knowledge with experience in delivering optimized equipment reliability and performance.
Exceptional leadership and decision-making abilities, with the capacity to motivate and inspire teams.
Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to manage complex challenges.
Excellent communication skills for effective interaction with employees, stakeholders, and leadership.
Strategic mindset with the ability to balance long-term goals with short-term operational needs.
A recognized qualification in manufacturing, engineering, or leadership discipline, or equivalent work experience.

What's on Offer
£70,000 to £90,000 plus benefits and package.