Head of Manufacturing Operations

Manufacturing Technology Centre; Coventry; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing organization in Coventry is seeking a Head of Manufacturing Operations to oversee and enhance manufacturing processes. This role involves strategic leadership, operational management, and team development. The ideal candidate will possess substantial experience in engineering management and hold relevant degrees. The position offers a permanent contract and aims to align manufacturing operations with strategic business goals.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in management within Engineering or Manufacturing.
• Experience in matrix management and collaborative project delivery.
• Demonstrable commercial skills and acumen.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations across sites.
• Ensure adherence to Health & Safety standards.
• Act as senior point of contact for customers.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Commercial awareness

Communication skills

Education

Degree and/or Masters level in an appropriate discipline

Membership of a relevant professional institution

Job description

Overview

Head of Manufacturing Operations – Location: Coventry. Reporting to: Engineering Director. Business Sector: CTO Function. Duration: Permanent.

The Head of Manufacturing Operations plays a pivotal role in ensuring that manufacturing processes are efficient, cost-effective, and aligned with strategic business goals. This role spans day-to-day operational leadership, strategic planning, project delivery, and acting as the primary operational point of contact for key stakeholders across the Business Units (Civil and Defence), Technology partners (such as Automation, Additive Manufacturing etc) and wider MTC operations functions Quality and Supply Chain. The postholder will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team to shape and execute operational strategy to deliver Engineering Excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Organisational Design

  Owns the vision and strategy for manufacturing operations, shaping organisational design and culture in line with MTC values. Is a key integrator within a matrixed organisation working with partners in Technology and Industrial Sectors to deliver operational objectives. Lead and develop high-performing teams, fostering trust and a people-focused culture. Delivery of appropriate system and practices that are flexible and robust to continuously deliver high performance.

• Operational Management

  Oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations across one or more sites inclusive of: On Time Delivery, Right First Time, budget performance, equipment utilisation, revenue generation, cost management, etc. Manage low-volume, high-complexity manufacturing environments (e.g., pilot lines, test rigs, labs). Ensure efficient utilisation of advanced equipment and facilities (e.g., additive manufacturing, robotics, clean rooms). Oversee scheduling and resource allocation for concurrent research projects integrating with space allocation.

• Quality, Safety & Compliance

  Maintain high standards of quality assurance suitable for experimental and regulated environments. Accountable for adherence to Health & Safety standards, ISO, and research-specific standards (e.g., GLP, GMP if applicable). Lead risk assessments and safety audits for novel processes and materials. Manage operational and maintenance budgets, including facility, maintenance, running costs, and consumables. Facilitate operational readiness for new projects, defining resource requirements, operational processes, and delivery schedules.

• Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

  Act as senior point of contact for internal and external customers, representing MTC in discussions and negotiations. Promote MTC capabilities to customers, actively seeking additional opportunities and ensuring high-quality service delivery.

• Team Leadership & Development

  Foster a culture of empowerment and insatiable curiosity within the manufacturing team including apprentices, technicians, engineers, manufacturing engineers and operations leaders. Provide leadership, resource management, and troubleshooting support to senior staff. Ensure all staff are equipped with required skills, motivation, and reputation, working closely with Resource Managers and functional teams (MTC Operations).

• General Duties

  Deliver robust systems and practices to continuously achieve high performance. Accountable for the highest standards of housekeeping and 5s that ensures MTC is a flagship for UK manufacturing and to convey Excellence in Engineering in what is often a frequently changing physical estate. Support strategic planning activities and technology roadmaps. Foster collaboration with research partners and industry members. Engage in training programmes and regular appraisals of direct reports. Maintain confidentiality and observe equality and diversity policies.

Person Specification

Education

• Degree and/or Masters level in an appropriate discipline.
• Membership of a relevant professional institution.

Experience

• Substantial experience in management within Engineering or Manufacturing, focused on operations management.
• Experience in matrix management and collaborative project delivery.
• Demonstrable commercial skills and acumen.
• Preferably with strategic planning experience.

Skills & Abilities

• Proven track record in leading operational functions and teams.
• Understanding of high-value manufacturing processes and systems.
• Strong commercial and financial awareness.
• Excellent communication, numeracy, and literacy skills.
• High level of personal integrity and attention to detail.
• Empathetic management style and commitment to confidentiality.

Other Requirements

• Willingness to travel and valid driving licence.
• Enhanced security clearance (to be sponsored by MTC).
• Understanding of international manufacturing trends and networks.

Background Screening

All colleagues will be required to undergo a level of clearance as part of the vetting process.