At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations to scale our handcrafted motorbike exhaust production while maintaining quality.
- Company: Fast-growing specialist manufacturer in Brackley with a strong turnover and skilled team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity for impact, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Join us at an exciting inflection point with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be the driving force behind operational excellence in a rapidly growing company.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in manufacturing, strong leadership skills, and a quality-first mindset.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About Us
We're a fast-growing specialist manufacturer based in Brackley, with a strong turnover, growing at 50% year on year and strong margins. We build handcrafted exhausts for motorbikes using high grade materials. We're a small, skilled team that makes high-quality things and we're now at the point where we need to build the operational infrastructure to match our ambition. We are at an inflection point. The foundations are strong. The order book is growing fast. What we need now is someone to own the operational engine that lets us scale without compromising the thing that makes us worth scaling. This is a new role. There is no playbook.
The Role
This is an operational leadership role with full ownership of everything between the customer order and the product leaving our door and everything that makes that process better, more consistent, and more scalable over time. You will report directly to the co-founders and be their operational proxy. That means making decisions, not just recommendations. It means owning COGS without ever letting quality become a lever you pull to hit a number. And it means being the person who, when we ask “what would it take operationally to open a dealer channel?”, comes back with a clear, well-reasoned answer. Comfortable with ambiguity is not a throwaway line here; we are building the plane while flying it, and you need to be energised by that, not unsettled.
What You Will Own
- Quality: Quality comes first in this list deliberately. It is our greatest asset and our north star as a business. You will:
- Own quality standards across the full production process - not as a compliance function but as a genuine expression of what the business stands for.
- Lead ISO 9001 accreditation as a structured project, using it to formalise and protect what we already do well.
- COGS and Commercial Operations:
- Maintain ongoing visibility of cost drivers and where margin is made or lost.
- Identify cost efficiency opportunities that never compromise quality.
- Be the operational voice in commercial conversations - when we consider new pricing, channels, or markets, you bring the numbers.
- Production and Operations:
- End-to-end production planning - capacity, scheduling, lead time management, and the systems that make it visible.
- Demand planning - building a credible forward view of volume that connects commercial pipeline to production capacity.
- Inventory management, supply chain oversight, and purchasing - including international supplier relationships and early-warning systems for supply risk.
- Shipping, dispatch, and fulfilment accuracy.
- Workshop floor efficiency - working with the team to identify and remove bottlenecks without disrupting output.
- Own the operational impact assessment for every new product launch - supply chain readiness, production capacity, quality control requirements, and lead time implications.
- Process Documentation:
- Systematically document key processes, build sequences, and tribal knowledge currently held by skilled individuals.
- Create build documentation that enables consistent quality at scale and protects the business against key person risk.
- Systems and Technology:
- Lead the selection and implementation of our MRP system.
- Own the operational tech stack - you do not have to build everything yourself, but you need to understand the problem well enough to specify the right solution and hold others accountable.
- Use AI tools to improve operational decision-making, surfacing insights from our data and reducing manual work.
What We Are Looking For
- 5+ years of experience with a meaningful chunk of that in manufacturing, automotive, or a closely adjacent industry.
- Has operated at a senior level in a scaleup or fast-growth SME - you have built processes where none existed, not just maintained ones someone else designed.
- Genuine COGS fluency - you have owned cost of goods, understand the levers, and know how to build visibility from scratch.
- Quality-first mindset - you understand that in a premium product business quality and cost are not opposites, and you have never treated them as such.
- Strategic range - you can move between a production scheduling problem and a channel strategy conversation without losing altitude on either.
- Tech-savvy and AI-fluent - comfortable owning a systems implementation, intellectually curious about new tools, and able to use AI practically in your day-to-day work.
- Strong people leader - able to get the best from a skilled, proud workshop team without micromanaging, and able to develop junior operations staff alongside them.
- Comfortable with ambiguity - we are building the plane while flying it and you need to be energised by that, not unsettled.
Head of Operations in Warrington employer: Hitchcox Motorcycles
As a fast-growing specialist manufacturer based in Brackley, we pride ourselves on our commitment to quality and innovation in crafting premium motorbike exhausts. Our dynamic work culture fosters collaboration and creativity, providing employees with the opportunity to take ownership of their roles and contribute directly to our ambitious growth plans. With a focus on professional development and a supportive team environment, we offer a unique chance to shape operational excellence while being part of a passionate and skilled workforce.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in Warrington
✨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 Hitchcox Motorcycles, 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 in Warrington
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 Hitchcox Motorcycles 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 Hitchcox Motorcycles
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Hitchcox Motorcycles, 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 Hitchcox Motorcycles 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.
