Head of Operations, North West

Head of Operations – Manufacturing

North West England

Competitive Salary + Car Allowance + Bonus

A rare opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head of Operations / Plant Leader to join a well-established, globally backed engineering and manufacturing business.

This is a high-impact leadership role where you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the operational strategy, driving performance and leading large, multidisciplinary teams in a complex, metal casting environment.

The Opportunity

This is a business investing in its future – with a clear mandate to enhance operational performance, improve efficiency and embed a culture of continuous improvement.

You will have the autonomy and backing to make meaningful, lasting changes across the site.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end site operations across production and maintenance
• Develop and execute operational strategy aligned to business growth objectives
• Drive improvements across safety, quality, cost, delivery, and people (SQCDP)
• Implement and embed Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and CI initiatives
• Optimise manufacturing processes across foundry and machining environments
• Oversee maintenance strategy to maximise asset reliability and uptime
• Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing operations team
• Manage budgets, capital investment and cost optimisation programmes
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, quality and commercial teams

About You

• Proven experience as a Head of Operations, Plant Manager, or equivalent senior leader
• Strong knowledge of foundry processes (investment, sand, die, centrifugal casting)
• Demonstrated success leading large-scale manufacturing operations
• Track record of delivering operational excellence and cultural transformation
• Deep understanding of Lean, CI tools, and modern manufacturing practices
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence at board level
• Engineering degree or equivalent experience preferred

Why Apply?

• Strategic, high-visibility role reporting to the CEO
• Opportunity to lead and transform a significant UK manufacturing site
• Backed by a financially stable and growth-focused group
• Genuine autonomy to shape operations and deliver measurable impact