Head of Operations - Manufacturing

Durabase; Hereford; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

8 bank holidays

Workplace pension scheme

Job summary

Durabase, trading as Wye Valley Engineering Ltd, seeks an experienced Head of Operations to lead our Hereford manufacturing site. You will oversee production performance, drive improvements and shape future capabilities while working closely with technical and design teams.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong operational management, and a proactive approach to development across the business. A senior role with long-term growth prospects.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading manufacturing operations across multiple functions.
• Track record of improving productivity, quality and efficiency.
• Experience introducing new products or process improvements.
• Strong leadership and communication with factory and office teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily manufacturing operations, planning and workflow.
• Monitor performance, identify opportunities to improve productivity and reduce waste.
• Maintain high quality standards and robust QC processes.
• Lead manufacturing improvement projects and capital investments.
• Support new product introductions and changes with technical teams.

Skills

Leadership

Manufacturing operations

Budgeting & resources

Project management

Cross-functional communication

Education

Engineering/Operations mgmt qualification

Job description

Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, on-site

Head of Operations – Manufacturing

Wye Valley Engineering Ltd / Durabase

Location: Rotherwas, Hereford

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, on-site

The Opportunity

Durabase is looking to appoint an experienced Head of Operations to take a leading role in managing and developing our manufacturing operation in Hereford.

This is a newly created senior position offering the opportunity to play an important part in the continued development of the business, overseeing day-to-day manufacturing performance while helping to shape future production capabilities.

We are looking for a practical, experienced manufacturing leader who is comfortable working closely with people at all levels of the business. The successful candidate will combine strong operational management skills with a hands‑on understanding of manufacturing processes and a proactive approach to improvement and development.

About Us

Durabase is the trading name of Wye Valley Engineering Ltd, an established UK engineering and manufacturing business with a history dating back to 1976.

Originally developed in 1986, the Durabase system provides an innovative alternative to traditional construction methods. Today, our range includes engineered steel base and modular wall systems suitable for conservatories, garden rooms and Building Regulations-compliant single-storey home extensions.

Our products are designed and manufactured at our Hereford facility, where we continue to invest in product development and manufacturing capabilities.

The Role

As Head of Operations, you will take overall responsibility for manufacturing performance, ensuring production runs efficiently, quality standards are maintained and delivery commitments are achieved.

Alongside managing day-to-day operations, you will play a key role in developing manufacturing processes, introducing new products and supporting future growth.

Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing daily manufacturing operations, production planning and workflow to ensure efficient output and reliable delivery.
• Monitoring manufacturing performance, identifying opportunities to improve productivity, reduce waste and improve efficiency.
• Maintaining high standards of product quality and developing effective quality control processes.
• Leading manufacturing improvement projects, including factory upgrades, machinery and process development.
• Managing the manufacturing introduction of new products and product changes, working closely with technical and design teams.
• Supporting the development of manufacturing skills and capabilities to meet current and future production requirements.
• Working closely with colleagues across the business to maintain effective communication between manufacturing, technical and sales functions.
• Overseeing equipment reliability, planned maintenance and the effective use of factory facilities.

About You

We are looking for an experienced manufacturing professional with strong leadership skills, practical knowledge and the ability to manage both daily operations and longer-term projects.

Essential experience and skills:

• Proven experience managing manufacturing operations, with responsibility for multiple functions or teams.
• Experience within assembly, engineered products or made‑to‑order manufacturing environments.
• A track record of improving manufacturing productivity, quality and operational efficiency.
• Experience introducing new products, production processes or manufacturing improvements.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with both factory and office teams.
• Experience managing budgets, costs and operational resources.
• A practical, organised and proactive approach to problem‑solving.

Desirable experience:

• Manufacturing experience within construction products, building systems or related industries.
• Knowledge of metal or timber fabrication.
• Experience managing factory improvement or capital investment projects.
• An engineering, manufacturing or operations management qualification.

What We Offer

• A permanent, senior position within an established UK manufacturing business.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the future development of the company.
• Involvement in new product introductions, manufacturing improvements and future investment projects.
• A varied role combining practical manufacturing leadership with longer-term operational development.
• 25 days' annual leave plus 8 bank holidays.
• Workplace pension scheme.

Apply

If you have a strong manufacturing background, enjoy working closely with production teams and are looking for an opportunity to take a leading role in the development of a manufacturing business, we would welcome your application.