At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations in advanced materials manufacturing, ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency.
- Company: Join a global leader in advanced materials for aerospace and industrial markets.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, pension, private medical insurance, and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a senior role with a clear path to site leadership.
- Qualifications: Degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry and significant manufacturing management experience required.
- Head of Operations
- Advanced Materials Manufacturing | Cambridge | Permanent | Predominantly site-based
THE OPPORTUNITY
We're partnering with a global leader in advanced materials manufacturing, supplying high-performance products into the aerospace and industrial markets, to appoint a Head of Operations at one of its key UK manufacturing sites.
This is a senior, high-impact role reporting directly to the Plant Manager.
It is also one of two positions identified as a potential successor to the Plant Manager in the future, so it suits an ambitious operations leader looking for a clear route to running a site.
You'll lead and integrate Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Quality Control Laboratories, Production Training and Continuous Improvement across all production areas, and set the operational standard for the whole site.
- WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
- Manufacturing & Production Leadership
- Lead all manufacturing operations to deliver safe, efficient and compliant production against safety, quality, cost and delivery targets
- Drive improvements in productivity, throughput, yield, OEE and capacity utilisation
- Own production planning, resource allocation and workforce utilisation
- Work with Technology, Sales, Planning and Supply Chain leaders to align priorities and support business growth
- Support capital investment, automation and facility upgrade projects
- Quality Assurance & Quality Control
- Provide strategic leadership for Quality, embedding a culture of ownership, compliance and customer focus
- Maintain and continuously improve the site's Quality Management System
- Lead investigations into non-conformances, customer complaints, OOS results and process deviations, and make sure corrective actions stick
- Lead internal, customer, certification and regulatory audits
- Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence
- Own the site's Continuous Improvement strategy
- Champion Lean, Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis and Value Stream Mapping
- Set and track performance metrics that drive accountability and lasting improvement
- People, Capability & Development
- Provide visible, motivating leadership across all operational teams
- Build training and competency frameworks, career pathways and succession plans
- Partner with HR on workforce planning and long-term capability
- Health, Safety & Environment
- Champion a culture where safety comes first, working closely with the EHS team
- Lead incident investigations and support emergency preparedness and business continuity
- Financial & Business Performance
- Manage the operational budget with strong cost control
- Build business cases for capital investment and improvement initiatives
- Find profitability gains through process optimisation and waste reduction
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- A degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry (essential)
- Significant senior manufacturing management experience in chemical manufacturing, aerospace or automotive. Candidates from food manufacturing will also be considered
- A track record of leading integrated teams across production, quality and continuous improvement
- Proven delivery of measurable gains in safety, quality, productivity and cost
- Hands-on experience of Lean, Six Sigma and CI programmes
- A strong grasp of QMS, audits, root cause analysis and laboratory QC in a regulated environment
- Strong commercial awareness and confident budget management
- Excellent IT and data skills, with the ability to turn numbers into action
- Inspiring leadership, with a record of coaching and developing high-performing teams
- A flexible, hands-on approach. This is a manufacturing environment, and you may occasionally need to be contactable or extend your hours when the operation needs it
- WHAT'S ON OFFER
- A highly competitive basic salary plus annual bonus
- Car or car allowance
- Defined contribution pension with generous employer matching, up to 20% combined
- Private medical insurance
- Discounted employee share purchase plan
- 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays
- Flexi-time scheme, with the option to bank extra hours as additional time off
- Life assurance and income protection
- On-site occupational health, a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and eye care support
- Subsidised canteen, free on-site parking and EV charging
- A clear route to a site leadership role
This is a rare chance to join a world-class manufacturer at a senior level, with real influence over how the site performs and a clear path to Plant Manager.
For a confidential conversation, apply here or message me directly
Head of Operations - Advanced Materials Manufacturing in Cambridge employer: Cranleigh Scientific
Join a dynamic and innovative pharmaceutical technology company in Central London, where you will have the opportunity to grow your career as a Business Development Associate. With a competitive salary, bonus scheme, and a supportive work culture that values professional development, you'll be empowered to make meaningful contributions while building relationships with key stakeholders in the industry. This role not only offers a chance to engage with international markets but also fosters an environment of collaboration and continuous learning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations - Advanced Materials Manufacturing in Cambridge
✨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 Cranleigh Scientific, 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 Head of Operations - Advanced Materials Manufacturing in Cambridge
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 Cranleigh Scientific 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 Cranleigh Scientific
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Cranleigh Scientific, 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 Cranleigh Scientific 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.
