At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a diverse manufacturing team to drive operational excellence.
- Company: Siemens Healthineers, a pioneer in healthcare technology.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension contributions, private medical, and bonus schemes.
- Other info: Join a supportive culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of healthcare diagnostics and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in operations within complex environments.
The predicted salary is between 59576 - 70089 £ per year.
At Siemens Healthineers, we pioneer breakthroughs in healthcare for everyone. Everywhere. Sustainably. Every day, our technologies support clinicians and improve patient outcomes around the world. At our Sudbury site, we combine expertise, innovation and purpose to deliver high‑quality diagnostic solutions that make a real difference. We are now seeking a Head of Operations to lead and inspire our manufacturing organisation through its next phase of growth and performance. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a critical site, strengthen leadership capability and create lasting impact in a complex and highly regulated environment.
About the role
This is a senior leadership position with full accountability for Operations at our Sudbury manufacturing site. You will lead a large and complex organisation, including 2 direct reports and over 130 indirect team members, operating across multiple production areas. You will balance strategic direction with day‑to‑day operational delivery across safety, quality, cost, delivery and people performance. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will influence site strategy, strengthen operational discipline and ensure the organisation is set up for long‑term success. This role offers the opportunity to shape organisational design, build capability at every level, and prepare the site to respond to growth, new product introduction and increasing operational complexity.
What you’ll be doing
- Setting and delivering the Operations strategy, aligning manufacturing capability with current demand and future growth
- Leading and developing a diverse leadership team, creating clarity, ownership and a high‑performance culture
- Building a visible, people‑centred leadership approach, engaging directly with teams and fostering trust on the shop floor
- Designing and embedding a future‑ready organisational structure that supports scalability and stronger leadership capability
- Strengthening succession planning and actively developing internal talent pipelines
- Driving operational excellence through continuous improvement, including waste reduction, process optimisation and structured problem solving
- Ensuring reliable and responsive customer supply, with strong focus on on‑time delivery and performance consistency
- Championing a culture of safety, wellbeing, quality and compliance, with a focus on delivering right‑first‑time outcomes
- Connecting operational performance to commercial outcomes, including productivity, cost efficiency and business resilience
- Leading through complexity, balancing day‑to‑day performance with long‑term transformation and growth priorities
What skills and experience you’ll bring
- A strong track record in senior operations or manufacturing leadership within a complex environment
- Experience leading large, multi‑layered teams through others, building alignment, accountability and engagement
- A people‑focused leadership style, with the ability to connect, influence and build trust at all levels
- Experience working within regulated environments (medical technology, healthcare or similar sectors preferred)
- Strong experience driving continuous improvement programmes using practical, structured methods
- The ability to simplify complexity, prioritise effectively and deliver results in a fast‑moving environment
- Proven organisational design capability, including developing team structures and future leaders
- Strong commercial awareness, linking operational decisions to productivity, cost and growth outcomes
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- A hands‑on approach, with a visible and engaged leadership presence
What’s on offer
- 26 days annual leave with the option to buy up to 10 and sell up to 5
- Up to 10% matched pension contributions
- BUPA Private Medical
- Bonus & Share Save Scheme
- 2 paid volunteering days a year
Siemens Healthineers are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer. If you require any adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.
Head of Operations employer: ITH Icoserve
Siemens Healthineers in Sudbury is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and employee development. With a strong focus on operational excellence and a commitment to employee wellbeing, the company provides extensive benefits including generous annual leave, private medical insurance, and opportunities for professional growth. Join us to make a meaningful impact in healthcare while being part of a supportive and forward-thinking team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 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 ITH Icoserve, 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
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 ITH Icoserve 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 ITH Icoserve
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with ITH Icoserve, 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 ITH Icoserve 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.
