Head of Operations
Salary: Competitive + Benefits Package + Shares
Location: Office-based, Cambridgeshire
Overview
We are seeking an experienced Head of Operations to take full ownership of day-to-day operations across manufacturing, quality, supply chain, finance, administration and people. This is a hands‑on leadership role working closely with the CEO to strengthen operational control, support strategic decision‑making and scale a specialist engineering business. This is an opportunity to join a high‑performing, technically led organisation at a pivotal stage of its development, offering the successful candidate the scope to grow with the business as it enters its next phase of controlled growth.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership & Governance
* Provide end-to-end operational leadership and day-to-day management of the business
* Deliver clear operational and financial insight to support planning, decision-making and strategy
* Develop, report and embed KPIs to measure performance and drive continuous improvement
* Support the CEO and leadership team to ensure technical projects are delivered on time, to quality and profitably
* Act as a senior representative of the business with customers, suppliers and external partners
Manufacturing, Quality & Supply Chain
* Oversee manufacturing operations, scheduling and capacity planning to meet customer and project requirements
* Own quality management across the business, ensuring robust processes, documentation and continuous improvement
* Ensure products and services consistently meet internal standards and customer expectations
* Lead supply chain activities including supplier selection, performance management and risk mitigation
* Drive efficiency, cost control and delivery performance across manufacturing and supply chain functions
Operations & Delivery
* Lead day-to-day operational planning including workflow, scheduling and resource coordination
* Ensure effective cross-functional alignment between engineering, manufacturing and operations
People, Facilities & Compliance
* Work with external HR providers on compliance, contracts and employee relations
* Oversee recruitment, onboarding, performance management and workforce planning
* Own facilities management, supplier contracts, compliance and Health & Safety
Requirements
Essential
* Proven experience in an operations, manufacturing or engineering operations leadership role within a technical, manufacturing or product‑led business
* Demonstrable accountability for day-to-day operational delivery across manufacturing, production planning, quality and supply chain functions
* Strong practical experience overseeing manufacturing or assembly operations, including scheduling, capacity planning, workflow management and delivery against customer and project requirements
* Solid background in quality management, with experience implementing, maintaining or improving quality systems, processes and documentation to ensure consistent delivery and customer satisfaction
* Experience managing suppliers and supply chains in a technically complex environment, including supplier performance management, lead‑time control and risk mitigation
* Track record of driving operational efficiency, delivery performance and continuous improvement across manufacturing and operational processes
Desirable
o Background in a small to mid‑sized engineering, electronics, technical or manufacturing business
Personal Attributes
o Highly organised, pragmatic and comfortable owning a broad operational remit
o Positive, can‑do mindset, with a practical, solutions‑focused approach and a willingness to take ownership through to resolution
o Clear, confident communicator able to work effectively with a technically led CEO
o Credible and influential, able to drive outcomes without reliance on hierarchy
#J-18808-Ljbffr