Chief Operations Leader – Lean, Quality & Growth

Hexcel Corporation; Duxford; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Hexcel Corporation in Duxford, UK is seeking a Head of Operations to lead manufacturing, safety, and continuous improvement initiatives. You will drive production strategy, optimise resources, and ensure quality compliance across sites.

The role requires senior leadership experience in composites or chemical manufacturing, with a strong focus on Lean, Six Sigma and cost control. You will guide teams, budgets, and strategic investments to strengthen profitability.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management or related field.
• Significant senior leadership experience in composite materials or chemical manufacturing.
• Proven success leading integrated manufacturing teams and driving collaboration.
• Strong track record improving safety, quality, productivity and costs.
• Extensive knowledge of operations, lean, six sigma and continuous improvement.
• Familiar with QMS, regulatory compliance, audits, and quality labs.
• Proven ability to translate strategy into measurable outcomes.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing operations to ensure safe, efficient production meeting requirements.
• Develop and deliver strategies to hit production, quality, cost, delivery and safety targets.
• Drive continuous improvement via Lean, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, waste reduction.
• Provide strategic leadership for QA/QC and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain and improve the Quality Management System and lead audits and corrective actions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimise performance and resources.
• Lead workforce capability, training, succession planning and leadership development.
• Champion HSE culture and ensure legal/regulatory compliance.
• Provide visible leadership to Manufacturing, Quality, Training and Continuous Improvement teams.
• Manage operational budgets and KPIs to improve profitability through efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Operations management

Budget management

Cross-functional collaboration

Safety & compliance

Education

Degree in Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management

Tools

QMS

Audits

Job description

Hexcel Corporation in Duxford, UK is seeking a Head of Operations to lead manufacturing, safety, and continuous improvement initiatives. You will drive production strategy, optimise resources, and ensure quality compliance across sites.

The role requires senior leadership experience in composites or chemical manufacturing, with a strong focus on Lean, Six Sigma and cost control. You will guide teams, budgets, and strategic investments to strengthen profitability.