Head of Operations

Orion Electrotech; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing company in the UK is seeking a Head of Operations for a 6-month contract with potential to extend or convert to permanent. This key leadership role involves overseeing operations at two sites, focusing on operational delivery and change management. Ideal candidates will have proven leadership experience in manufacturing, strong plant operations knowledge, and be skilled in change management. Immediate start required.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in manufacturing or process industries.
• Strong understanding of plant operations, maintenance, and critical spares.
• Experience in breakdown analysis, root cause investigation, and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead operations across two AD plants.
• Provide regular updates and detailed reports to senior leadership.
• Manage site budgets.
• Oversee capital works and project delivery.
• Support site teams through organisational change.
• Maintain high HSE standards for compliance.

Skills

Proven leadership in manufacturing

Strong understanding of plant operations

Experience with breakdown analysis

Familiarity with HSE standards

Comfortable with technical systems

Skilled in change management

Job description

Head of Operations

Contract: 6-month contract (with strong potential to extend or go perm)

Location: Covering two sites Somerset and Wisbech

Start Date: ASAP, must be in post by January

We are seeking an experienced and dependable Head of Operations to oversee two manufacturing sites. This is a key leadership role during a period of transition, with a focus on operational delivery, reporting, and change management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead operations across two AD plants, ensuring smooth day-to-day running.
• Provide regular updates and detailed reports to senior leadership.
• Manage site budgets.
• Oversee capital works and project delivery at both locations.
• Support and guide site teams through organisational change.
• Maintain high standards of Health & Safety (HSE), ensuring compliance and reputational protection.
• Drive operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and support continuous improvement.

Experience Required:

• Proven leadership in manufacturing or process industries.
• Strong understanding of plant operations, maintenance, and critical spares.
• Experience/knowledge with breakdown analysis, root cause investigation, and reporting.
• Familiarity with HSE standards IOSH/NEBOSH preferred.
• Comfortable with technical systems and operational software.
• Skilled in change management and team morale building.

Interview Process:

• Stage 1: Teams call
• Stage 2: Onsite interview with presentation (Wisbech office Tues/Wed/Thurs)
• Assessment: Thomas International
• Final stage: Face-to-face interview with HR involvement

Thank you for your application. Due to the volume of applications we receive, unfortunately we are not able to respond to every application personally, therefore, if you have not heard back from us within 5 working days please assume your application has been unsuccessful. To see our other available vacancies please visit our website.

INDMAN