At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead manufacturing excellence and drive growth in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a growing and ambitious organisation with a focus on operational strategy.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape strategy, develop teams, and influence business performance.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that values continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a critical leadership role within manufacturing.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience in complex manufacturing environments.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are seeking an exceptional Head of Operations to join our senior leadership team and play a pivotal role in driving the next phase of our growth. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), this is a high-impact leadership position with full responsibility for the end-to-end manufacturing and operational performance of the business.
You will lead all operational functions including production planning, fabrication, manufacturing, quality, yard operations, dispatch, logistics, and material flow, ensuring the business delivers safely, efficiently, profitably, and at scale. This role offers a unique opportunity for a commercially-minded operational leader to influence strategy, optimise performance, develop high-performing teams, and help build a world-class manufacturing operation capable of supporting ambitious growth plans.
The Opportunity
As Head of Operations, you will provide both strategic direction and operational leadership across the manufacturing function. You will be responsible for ensuring operational capability, capacity, productivity, quality, and delivery performance remain aligned with customer commitments and long-term business objectives.
You will play a key role in developing scalable systems, processes, and structures that support continued expansion while driving a culture of accountability, operational excellence, continuous improvement, and safety.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership & Manufacturing Performance
- Lead all manufacturing and operational activities across production, fabrication, assembly, yard operations, dispatch, logistics, planning, and materials management.
- Ensure safe, efficient, and effective manufacturing performance against quality, delivery, productivity, and financial targets.
- Create a high-performance culture built on accountability, ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Drive operational visibility, governance, and performance management across the business.
- Strategy, Capacity & Growth
- Develop and execute operational strategies that support business growth and long-term scalability.
- Lead capacity planning across labour, materials, equipment, and facilities to meet future demand.
- Identify and remove operational constraints and production bottlenecks.
- Support investment decisions relating to plant, automation, technology, facilities, and operational infrastructure.
- Production Planning & Delivery Excellence
- Drive operational performance through robust planning, scheduling, and KPI management.
- Improve productivity, labour efficiency, throughput, equipment utilisation, and manufacturing lead times.
- Champion OTIF (On Time In Full) delivery performance across all operations.
- Lead structured performance reviews and ensure rapid resolution of operational issues.
- Continuous Improvement
- Embed a culture of operational excellence through data-driven decision making and process improvement.
- Drive standardisation, digitalisation, ERP optimisation, and operational discipline.
- Deliver measurable improvements in productivity, quality, efficiency, and cost performance.
- Leadership & People Development
- Lead, coach, and develop operational management teams.
- Build scalable organisational structures, succession plans, and leadership capability.
- Drive workforce planning, engagement, and talent development initiatives.
- Foster a culture of professionalism, accountability, and high performance.
- Financial & Commercial Performance
- Manage operational performance against labour budgets, productivity targets, and manufacturing costs.
- Drive efficiencies that improve profitability and margin performance.
- Support commercial teams with operational planning, risk management, and manufacturing capability assessments.
- Contribute to business cases, capital investment planning, and growth initiatives.
- Health, Safety, Environment & Quality
- Champion a visible safety-first culture throughout manufacturing operations.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, environmental, and quality standards.
- Partner with HSE and Quality teams to reduce operational risk and improve process control.
- Lead operational readiness for audits and compliance requirements.
We are looking for an experienced operational leader with a proven track record of delivering results within complex manufacturing environments. You will bring:
- Significant senior leadership experience as a Head of Operations, Operations Director, or equivalent.
- Strong background within steel fabrication, engineering, industrial manufacturing, or similarly complex production environments.
- Demonstrated success leading operational transformation, business growth, and performance improvement initiatives.
- Expertise in manufacturing operations, production planning, capacity management, workforce planning, and operational delivery.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to improve profitability, productivity, and customer performance.
- Experience implementing scalable operational structures, systems, and governance frameworks.
- Strong knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and data-driven operational management.
- Exceptional leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills.
- A resilient, hands-on leadership style with a passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Why Join Us
This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a critical function within a growing and ambitious organisation. You will have the platform to shape operational strategy, influence business performance, develop talented teams, and play a key role in delivering our long-term growth ambitions. If you are an ambitious operational leader looking to make a significant impact within a dynamic manufacturing business, we'd love to hear from you.
Head of Operations (Ops Director) in Tranent employer: Had Fab Limited
Join a forward-thinking manufacturing organisation that prioritises operational excellence and employee development. As the Head of Operations, you will thrive in a culture that champions accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement, while enjoying opportunities for professional growth and influence over strategic initiatives. Located in a dynamic environment, this role offers the chance to lead high-performing teams and drive impactful change within a rapidly expanding business.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations (Ops Director) in Tranent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their challenges and think about how your experience can help them drive growth and improve performance. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your leadership style and operational expertise align with their goals. Highlight your successes in driving efficiency and building high-performing teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations (Ops Director) in Tranent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in operational leadership and manufacturing excellence. We want to see how your skills align with our goals, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your previous roles, focus on the results you’ve achieved. Use metrics and examples to illustrate how you've driven growth, improved efficiency, or led successful teams. We love numbers that tell a story!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who not only has the right skills but also fits into our culture. Share your passion for operational excellence and continuous improvement!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Had Fab Limited
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's operations. Understand their manufacturing processes, key performance indicators, and any recent changes in their operational strategy. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how you can drive growth and improve performance.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach and how you've developed high-performing teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you've fostered a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, as this aligns with the company's values.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific operational challenges, such as production bottlenecks or capacity planning. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and demonstrate your problem-solving skills effectively.
✨Align Your Vision with Their Goals
Research the company's long-term growth ambitions and think about how your experience can support these goals. Be ready to articulate your vision for operational excellence and how you can contribute to building a world-class manufacturing operation.
