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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations across the UK, ensuring safety, compliance, and innovation.
- Company: Join EPC-UK, a respected name in the heavy industry sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, executive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a safety-critical industry while driving innovation.
- Qualifications: Proven operations leadership experience, ideally in heavy industry or logistics.
- Other info: Supportive environment with opportunities for international collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Irlam Associates are proud to be the recruitment partner to EPC-UK. We are now seeking an exceptional Head of Operations to join our senior leadership team and play a pivotal role in taking EPC-UK to the next stage of growth. This is a rare opportunity to lead operations for one of the UK’s most respected names in the sector.
As part of the globally recognised EPC Groupe, our expertise spans manufacturing, logistics, drilling & blasting, training, and digital innovation. From quarries and mines to major civil engineering projects, our solutions are trusted across the UK for their safety, reliability, and cutting-edge technology.
The Role: Head of Operations
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will oversee all UK operational activities, ensuring EPC-UK continues to deliver the highest standards of safety, compliance, efficiency, and innovation.
- Explosives Manufacturing – Overseeing safe, compliant production across fully bonded and licensed facilities.
- Drilling & Blasting Services – Ensuring operational excellence, efficiency, and customer satisfaction across nationwide projects.
- Logistics & Supply Chain – Managing complex movements of hazardous materials, ensuring full compliance with UK regulations.
- Digital & Technical Solutions – Driving the integration of data-driven tools such as EPC Metrics to improve real-time decision-making, client service, and sustainability.
- Training & Development – Embedding our SPIRIT values into people development, building high-performing, empowered teams.
- This is a strategic and hands-on leadership role, balancing operational control with forward-thinking innovation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead day-to-day operations across multiple UK sites, ensuring targets, KPIs, and customer commitments are met.
- Uphold EPC-UK’s reputation as a safety-first organisation, embedding a culture of compliance, risk awareness, and operational discipline.
- Develop and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, cost efficiency, and service delivery.
- Champion the adoption of digital platforms and data-led decision-making to optimise performance and unlock growth.
- Lead, mentor, and inspire operational managers, driving engagement and accountability at all levels.
- Work closely with the EPC Groupe global technical network to align UK operations with international best practice.
- Collaborate cross-functionally (Commercial, Finance, HR, Technical, and SHEQ) to ensure operational strategies support wider business goals.
- Play a visible role as a senior leader in representing EPC-UK with clients, partners, regulators, and industry stakeholders.
About You:
We are looking for a senior operational leader with the credibility, technical understanding, and leadership skills to operate at both strategic and tactical levels.
Essential Experience & Skills:
- Proven track record in operations leadership, ideally in heavy industry, explosives, mining, engineering, manufacturing, or logistics.
- Strong understanding of health, safety, environmental, and regulatory frameworks (ISO, ATEX, COMAH, etc.).
- Ability to lead multi-site, multi-disciplinary teams with confidence and empathy.
- Commercially astute with a strong focus on delivering value and efficiency.
- Comfortable working with and implementing digital transformation initiatives.
- Excellent stakeholder management—able to influence at all levels internally and externally.
Desirable:
- Background in explosives or hazardous goods sectors.
- Experience within an international or matrix organisation.
- Chartered status or equivalent professional qualifications.
Why EPC-UK?
- A unique opportunity to lead operations at the forefront of a highly specialised, safety-critical industry.
- The ability to influence the UK strategy while contributing to EPC Groupe’s global growth journey.
- A supportive, inclusive leadership environment where innovation is encouraged, and people are valued.
- Competitive salary package with executive benefits.
- Opportunities for ongoing professional growth, leadership development, and international collaboration.
Employment is subject to the successful completion of BPSS clearance, which includes right to work, identity, criminal record, and employment/education reference checks.
Head of Operations employer: Irlam Associates
Contact Detail:
Irlam Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their values, recent projects, and challenges they face. This will help us tailor our responses and show we’re genuinely interested in EPC-UK.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. The more comfortable we are with our answers, the better we’ll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping us top of mind. Plus, it shows our enthusiasm for the role at EPC-UK.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Operations role. Highlight your experience in operations leadership, especially in heavy industry or logistics, and don’t forget to showcase your understanding of health and safety regulations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you’re the perfect fit for EPC-UK. Share specific examples of how you've led teams to success and driven operational excellence. Make it personal and engaging!
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, let us know about your leadership style. We want to see how you inspire and mentor teams, so share stories that demonstrate your ability to lead with empathy and confidence.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at EPC-UK.
How to prepare for a job interview at Irlam Associates
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into EPC-UK's operations. Familiarise yourself with their safety standards, compliance measures, and how they integrate digital solutions. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how your experience aligns with their operational goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of Operations, your leadership approach is crucial. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to lead multi-site teams, drive engagement, and foster a culture of compliance and innovation. Be ready to discuss how you've mentored teams in the past and the impact it had on performance.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in operations, particularly in heavy industry or logistics, and how you overcame them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Given the nature of the role, it's essential to be well-versed in health, safety, and environmental regulations relevant to the industry. Brush up on ISO, ATEX, and COMAH standards, and be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles.
