Head of Manufacturing Operations

Lord Search & Selection; England; On-site; GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative engineering firm in the UK seeks a Head of Manufacturing Operations to oversee operational performance across multiple teams. The role focuses on building high-performing operations, driving Continuous Improvement, and ensuring quality standards in a fast-paced environment. Ideal candidates will have experience in high-precision sectors and a strong leadership style. Competitive salary up to £80,000 pa plus benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Bonus

Extensive benefits package

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven track record leading Operations in manufacturing.
• Experience in high-precision sectors such as Aerospace, Automotive, Defence.
• Ability to lead teams effectively with clarity and accountability.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop Manufacturing Operations, Process Engineering and Continuous Improvement teams.
• Drive operational delivery across safety, quality, output, cost and service metrics.
• Embed a culture of Continuous Improvement and enhance process capability.

Skills

Operational leadership

Continuous Improvement

Lean methodologies

Six Sigma

Strong communication

Job description

Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering

Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

Up to 80,000 pa + Car + Bonus + Extensive Benefits Package

The Company

Join a pioneering engineering and manufacturing business at the forefront of next‑generation material technologies. Our client develops and produces advanced materials that enable higher performance, lighter weight, and greater durability for global Aerospace, Automotive and Defence customers. As the business continues to scale, we are seeking a hands‑on, driven Head of Operations to lead the manufacturing, process engineering, and continuous improvement functions.

The Role

As Head of Manufacturing Operations, you will take full ownership of end‑to‑end operational performance across multiple manufacturing teams. Your mandate is to build and lead high‑performing operations and engineering capability that consistently delivers to customer requirements in a fast‑moving, technically challenging environment.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop the Manufacturing Operations, Process Engineering and Continuous Improvement teams.
• Drive operational delivery across safety, quality, output, cost and service metrics.
• Embed a culture of Continuous Improvement, using CI tools and lean methodologies to enhance process capability and manufacturing efficiency.
• Ensure day‑to‑day production meets customer demand, resolving issues quickly and proactively.
• Champion operational excellence, standardised processes, and data‑driven decision‑making.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain and Commercial teams to ensure smooth introduction of new materials and manufacturing technologies.
• Play a key role in shaping operational strategy as the company scales capacity, capability, and automation.

The Person

We are seeking a dynamic, practical leader with the gravitas to drive performance and the credibility to gain trust across the SLT peer group as well as on the shop floor.

Qualifications:

• A proven track record leading Operations within a fast‑paced and varied manufacturing environment.
• Strong Continuous Improvement expertise, with hands‑on experience applying lean, six sigma or similar methodologies.
• Demonstrable success improving operational performance, efficiency, and process stability.
• The ability to lead managers, engineers, and shop‑floor teams with clarity, energy and accountability.
• A practical, "roll‑your‑sleeves‑up" leadership style – comfortable being present on the factory floor.
• Experience operating in a highly regulated or high‑precision sector (Aerospace, Automotive, Defence, or similar).
• Strong communication skills and a customer‑focused mindset.

Why Join?

• Be part of a fast‑growing organisation developing breakthrough materials for world‑leading customers.
• Lead and shape operational excellence across a state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing environment.
• Influence strategy while remaining close to engineering and production.
• Excellent opportunities for progression as the business continues to scale.

How to apply

To apply in confidence and to initiate an informal discussion, please submit a fully CV online detailing your current remuneration package and availability quoting job reference 10212.

Desired Skills and Experience

Plant, Manufacturing, Engineering, Aerospace, Automotive, Industrial, Quality, AS9100, ISO9001, Operations, Process, CI, Improvement, Delivery