Head of Operations

Page Personnel; England; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An industry-leading automotive company in Cheshire is seeking a Head of Operations to develop and align the plant's long-term strategic objectives with corporate goals. The role includes managing daily operations, leading a high-performing team, and ensuring key performance indicators are met. Candidates must have proven experience in automotive manufacturing and strong leadership skills. Salary ranges from £80,000 to £100,000 plus bonuses and benefits.

Benefits

Car

Bonus

Benefits

Qualifications

• Proven experience in automotive manufacturing operations with a track record in senior site leadership.
• Demonstrated success in managing and motivating teams in high volume production.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing systems, processes, and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute long-term strategic objectives for the plant.
• Create operational plans to achieve productivity and profitability targets.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing team of department heads and supervisors.

Skills

Automotive manufacturing operations

Team management

Lean manufacturing

Problem-solving

Leadership

Education

Recognised qualification in manufacturing, engineering or leadership discipline

Tools

ERP systems

Data analysis tools

Job description

• Industry Leading Automotive Company
• Site Leadership Role

About Our Client

Our client is a well established automotive company and they are currently recruiting a Head of Operations in Cheshire.

Job Description

• Develop and execute the plant's long-term strategic objectives, aligning with corporate goals and market demands.
• Create and implement operational plans to achieve productivity, efficiency, and profitability targets.
• Lead initiatives to expand capacity, improve product quality, and reduce costs.
• Regularly assess plant performance and present updates, challenges, and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Oversee daily plant operations and production, ensuring all support departments (maintenance, quality, logistics, and safety) function cohesively.
• Manage production schedules to meet customer requirements and delivery timelines.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for Safety, Quality, Cost, On-time delivery, Equipment and People.
• Coordinate with supply chain teams to ensure raw materials, components, and resources are available for uninterrupted production.
• Build, manage, and mentor a high-performing team of department heads, supervisors, and staff.
• Conduct performance appraisals, set clear expectations, and create professional development plans for employees.
• Promote a culture of accountability, empowerment, and collaboration.
• Lead workforce planning initiatives, including hiring, training, and succession planning.
• Act as the primary liaison between the plant and corporate leadership, ensuring clear communication of goals, challenges, and results.
• Collaborate with sales, technical, and supply chain teams to align production with business needs.
• Partner with HR to address workforce issues, including conflict resolution, training, and employee engagement.
• Work with external stakeholders, including vendors, contractors, and local authorities, to support operational goals.

The Successful Applicant

• Proven experience in automotive manufacturing operations (OEM or 1st Tier), with a track record in a senior site leadership role.
• Demonstrated success managing and motivating teams within complex or high volume production environments.
• Proven ability deliver high performance in Safety, Quality and Delivery.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing systems, processes, and best practices.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and data analysis tools would be helpful.
• Expertise in Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with modern manufacturing technologies.
• Engineering / maintenance knowledge and experience in delivering optimised equipment reliability and performance.
• Exceptional leadership and decision-making abilities, with the capacity to motivate and inspire teams.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to manage complex challenges.
• Excellent communication skills for effective interaction with employees, stakeholders, and leadership.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to balance long-term goals with short-term operational needs.
• A recognised qualification in a manufacturing, engineering or leadership discipline, or related work experience.

What's on Offer

£80,000 to £100,000 plus bonus, car and benefits