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:
o CNC machining
o PCB assembly
o Wiring and electro-mechanical assembly
o 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!
Desired Skills and Experience
Operations Management, Logistics, Supply chain, Manufacturing, Production, Bids, Proposals, Costing, Safety, Quality, Improvement, Leadership.