Head of Operations

Location: Hertfordshire
Reports to: General Manager

The Head of Operations is responsible for leading and developing all operational functions across manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and production support within a low-volume, high-value engineering environment.

The role ensures that Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Improvement (SQDCI) objectives are consistently achieved through strong leadership, robust operational processes, and a culture of continuous improvement.

• Provide strategic and day-to-day leadership across Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Logistics functions.

• Own and deliver operational performance against SQDCI KPIs.

• Drive a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement across all operational teams.

• Lead operations within a multi-disciplined manufacturing environment, including:

  • CNC machining

  • PCB assembly

  • Wiring and electro-mechanical assembly

  • Advanced mechanical assembly

• Ensure effective cross-functional collaboration between Engineering, Planning, Quality, and Purchasing.

• Lead capacity planning, production scheduling, and materials management to meet customer commitments and forecast demand.

• Drive Lean Manufacturing and 6S principles across all areas, delivering measurable improvements in efficiency, waste reduction, and on-time delivery.

• Embed structured problem-solving and root cause analysis methodologies (8D, DMAIC) throughout operations.

• Lead effective change management via ECR/ECN processes, ensuring changes are prioritised, implemented, and communicated in line with operational and customer requirements.

• Lead supply chain optimisation through strategic sourcing, supplier development, performance management, and risk mitigation.

• Partner with Procurement and Finance to deliver cost reduction initiatives, margin improvement, and robust business planning.

• Own systems and processes for accurate product costing and stock valuation.

• Champion Health & Safety standards, ensuring compliance with legal, corporate, and ISO management system requirements.

• Ensure manufacturing processes comply with RoHS, IPC-A-610, and applicable quality standards.

• Support audits and maintain compliance with ISO 9001 / AS9100 where applicable.

• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) and R&D programmes, ensuring smooth industrialisation from prototype through to volume production.

• Act as functional lead on major bids as part of the bid team, where required.

• Mentor, coach, and develop team leaders and operators through structured PDPs and skills matrices.

• Build strong leadership capability within operations to support future growth and succession planning.

• Proven senior leadership experience in operations management within precision engineering, defence, aerospace, or similar low-volume/high-complexity manufacturing environments.

• Strong background in precision manufacturing and electronic assembly, including CNC machining, PCB assembly, and build-to-print production.

• Recognised engineering apprenticeship and/or HNC, HND, or Degree in an engineering discipline.

• Strong working knowledge of Lean manufacturing, 6S, and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Excellent understanding of ERP/MRP systems, capacity planning, and production scheduling.

• Demonstrated success in supplier development, quality improvement, and cost reduction initiatives.

• High level of Health & Safety awareness with experience implementing safe systems of work.

• Strong analytical and data-driven approach to operational performance management.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Exposure to carbon fibre composite manufacture, RF/waveguide fabrication, or advanced electronic assembly.

• Knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 and/or AS9100 quality management systems.

• Experience working closely with Engineering and R&D teams to industrialise new designs.

• Project management experience within a multi-disciplinary engineering organisation.

• Results-driven, pragmatic, and hands-on leadership style.

• Confident communicator at all levels of the organisation.

• Proactive, solution-focused, and commercially aware.

• Strong commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Please get in touch to discuss further details! This is a Great opportunity with a Great client!