At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational excellence and growth across two UK manufacturing sites.
- Company: Join a £22m specialist manufacturing business with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team committed to fairness and equality.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a senior role driving continuous improvement and operational success.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in senior manufacturing operations and proven leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Blair West are supporting National Floor Coverings, to find a Group Head of Operations.
This is a senior leadership position within a £22m specialist manufacturing business, responsible for operational performance across two UK manufacturing sites.
Reporting directly to the CEO and sitting on the Executive Leadership Team and Operating Board, the role will lead the next phase of operational excellence, growth and continuous improvement across the Group.
The opportunity
- Develop and deliver the Group's operational strategy across two manufacturing sites, aligning operational capability with ambitious commercial and growth objectives.
- Lead the Site Operations Managers, QHSE Manager and Technical Manager, creating a consistent, accountable and high-performing operational leadership team.
- Drive improvements across OEE, productivity, throughput, manufacturing costs and overall operational efficiency.
- Establish a culture of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement, identifying and delivering initiatives across productivity, quality, waste reduction, inventory and process efficiency.
- Take overall responsibility for manufacturing capacity, resource planning and operational performance, ensuring the business can meet customer demand as it grows.
- Partner closely with the CEO, Board and wider leadership team to identify opportunities to improve profitability, margins and return on investment.
- Ensure consistently high standards across quality, health, safety and environmental performance, embedding a proactive approach to compliance and risk management.
- Work alongside the Technical Manager to strengthen manufacturing processes, product quality, technical capability and innovation.
- Improve customer-facing operational performance, with particular focus on OTIF, product quality, responsiveness and customer satisfaction.
- Develop succession plans and strengthen the capability of the wider operations function, creating a culture of accountability, engagement and continuous improvement.
You’ll be the ideal candidate for this position if you have
- Significant senior-level manufacturing operations experience, ideally gained within a complex, high-volume production environment.
- A proven track record of leading multi-site manufacturing operations, with responsibility for both operational performance and people leadership.
- Strong practical experience of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement, with evidence of delivering measurable improvements in productivity, cost, quality or throughput.
- Experience leading shift-based manufacturing operations and managing the competing demands of capacity, labour, production planning and customer service.
- A commercially astute approach, with a strong understanding of manufacturing costs, margins, budgets, capital investment and operational profitability.
- Experience operating at Executive Leadership Team or Board level, with the credibility to influence strategic decision-making and translate strategy into operational delivery.
- Strong people leader experience and has successfully developed operational management teams and created cultures centred around accountability and high performance.
- A robust understanding of QHSE requirements within a manufacturing environment, with experience of embedding strong safety and compliance standards.
- The ability to use operational data and KPIs to identify problems, prioritise improvement activity and drive sustainable performance.
- Experience within flooring, textiles, surfaces, polymers, building products or a related manufacturing environment would be advantageous, as would Lean/Six Sigma qualifications.
- Our commitment
Blair West is an equal-opportunity employer.
We embrace diversity and inclusion at every stage of the recruitment process.
We are committed to fairness, equality, and ongoing diversity training for our team to give our candidates and clients a feeling of belonging during their experience with us.
If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during their experience with us, please speak to their consultant.
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Group Head of Operations employer: Blair West
Blair West is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the pursuit of sustainable infrastructure solutions. Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities and are encouraged to engage in meaningful projects that directly contribute to the UK's Net Zero goals, all while working in a supportive environment that values their contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Head of Operations
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Blair West, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Group Head of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Blair West specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blair West
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Blair West, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Blair West value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
