Head of Operations - Lean Manufacturing & Quality

Hexcel; Duxford; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Hexcel in the United Kingdom seeks a Head of Operations at its Duxford site to lead manufacturing, safety, quality and continuous improvement initiatives. The role drives operational strategy, budget management and cross-functional collaboration with QA, Training and CI teams to meet performance targets.

You will bring senior leadership experience in composite materials or chemical manufacturing, with a proven track record in safety, quality and efficiency improvements, and be eligible to work

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related discipline.
• Significant senior leadership experience within a composite materials or chemical manufacturing environment.
• Proven success leading integrated manufacturing teams and driving cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong track record of improving safety, quality, productivity, cost efficiency, and customer service.
• Extensive knowledge of manufacturing processes, operational excellence, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong understanding of QMS, regulatory compliance, audits, root cause analysis, and quality laboratory functions.
• Proven ability to develop and deliver operational strategies aligned to business objectives and measurable outcomes.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including budget management and cost control.
• Demonstrated success leading organisational change, transformation, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Excellent leadership, communication, stakeholder management, coaching, and talent development skills, with a commitment to safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing operations to ensure safe, efficient, compliant production that meets customer and business requirements.
• Develop and deliver operational strategies to achieve production, quality, cost, delivery, safety, and performance targets.
• Drive continuous improvement through Lean, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, waste reduction, and operational excellence initiatives.
• Provide strategic leadership for Quality Assurance and Quality Control, ensuring compliance with customer, regulatory, and quality standards.
• Maintain and improve the Quality Management System (QMS), leading audits, investigations, and corrective actions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimise manufacturing performance, resource utilisation, and business growth.
• Lead workforce capability, training, succession planning, and leadership development to build organisational resilience.
• Champion a strong health, safety, environmental, and compliance culture, ensuring legal and regulatory requirements are met.
• Provide visible leadership to Manufacturing, Quality, Training, and Continuous Improvement teams, fostering accountability and engagement.
• Manage operational budgets and KPIs, improving profitability through efficiency, cost control, and strategic investment decisions.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Quality Assurance

Cross-functional collaboration

Budget management

Operations strategy

Stakeholder management

Education

Degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Quality Management System (QMS)

Job description

Hexcel in the United Kingdom seeks a Head of Operations at its Duxford site to lead manufacturing, safety, quality and continuous improvement initiatives. The role drives operational strategy, budget management and cross-functional collaboration with QA, Training and CI teams to meet performance targets.

You will bring senior leadership experience in composite materials or chemical manufacturing, with a proven track record in safety, quality and efficiency improvements, and be eligible to work