Irlam Associates are proud to be the recruitment partner to EPC-UK. We are now seeking an exceptional Head of Operations to join our senior leadership team and play a pivotal role in taking EPC-UK to the next stage of growth. This is a rare opportunity to lead operations for one of the UK’s most respected names in the sector.
As part of the globally recognised EPC Groupe, our expertise spans manufacturing, logistics, drilling & blasting, training, and digital innovation. From quarries and mines to major civil engineering projects, our solutions are trusted across the UK for their safety, reliability, and cutting-edge technology.
The Role: Head of Operations
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will oversee all UK operational activities, ensuring EPC-UK continues to deliver the highest standards of safety, compliance, efficiency, and innovation.
* Explosives Manufacturing – Overseeing safe, compliant production across fully bonded and licensed facilities.
* Drilling & Blasting Services – Ensuring operational excellence, efficiency, and customer satisfaction across nationwide projects.
* Logistics & Supply Chain – Managing complex movements of hazardous materials, ensuring full compliance with UK regulations.
* Digital & Technical Solutions – Driving the integration of data-driven tools such as EPC Metrics to improve real-time decision-making, client service, and sustainability.
* Training & Development – Embedding our SPIRIT values into people development, building high-performing, empowered teams.
* This is a strategic and hands-on leadership role, balancing operational control with forward-thinking innovation.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead day-to-day operations across multiple UK sites, ensuring targets, KPIs, and customer commitments are met.
* Uphold EPC-UK’s reputation as a safety-first organisation, embedding a culture of compliance, risk awareness, and operational discipline.
* Develop and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, cost efficiency, and service delivery.
* Champion the adoption of digital platforms and data-led decision-making to optimise performance and unlock growth.
* Lead, mentor, and inspire operational managers, driving engagement and accountability at all levels.
* Work closely with the EPC Groupe global technical network to align UK operations with international best practice.
* Collaborate cross-functionally (Commercial, Finance, HR, Technical, and SHEQ) to ensure operational strategies support wider business goals.
* Play a visible role as a senior leader in representing EPC-UK with clients, partners, regulators, and industry stakeholders.
About You:
We are looking for a senior operational leader with the credibility, technical understanding, and leadership skills to operate at both strategic and tactical levels.
Essential Experience & Skills:
* Proven track record in operations leadership, ideally in heavy industry, explosives, mining, engineering, manufacturing, or logistics.
* Strong understanding of health, safety, environmental, and regulatory frameworks (ISO, ATEX, COMAH, etc.).
* Ability to lead multi-site, multi-disciplinary teams with confidence and empathy.
* Commercially astute with a strong focus on delivering value and efficiency.
* Comfortable working with and implementing digital transformation initiatives.
* Excellent stakeholder management—able to influence at all levels internally and externally.
Desirable:
* Background in explosives or hazardous goods sectors.
* Experience within an international or matrix organisation.
* Chartered status or equivalent professional qualifications.
Why EPC-UK?
* A unique opportunity to lead operations at the forefront of a highly specialised, safety-critical industry.
* The ability to influence the UK strategy while contributing to EPC Groupe’s global growth journey.
* A supportive, inclusive leadership environment where innovation is encouraged, and people are valued.
* Competitive salary package with executive benefits.
* Opportunities for ongoing professional growth, leadership development, and international collaboration.
Employment is subject to the successful completion of BPSS clearance, which includes right to work, identity, criminal record, and employment/education reference checks.