At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations and shape the future of a successful manufacturing business.
- Company: Established UK manufacturer known for quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Up to £130,000 salary, 33 days holiday, and profit share.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth and strategic influence.
- Why this job: Join a supportive culture with real impact and future MD potential.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in manufacturing and strong people development skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Stone, Staffordshire
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Up to £130,000 + Profit Share
Benefits: 33 days holiday including Bank Holidays, Contributory NEST Pension, Company Sick Pay Scheme, Christmas Shutdown, Annual Salary Review
About the Company
My client is an established UK manufacturer specialising in advanced polymer-based manufacturing processes, supplying a diverse customer base across sectors including automotive, healthcare and industrial equipment. The business has built a strong reputation for quality, innovation and customer service and continues to invest in advanced manufacturing technologies, people and long-term growth. As a successful privately owned organisation with an established leadership team and loyal workforce, the company offers a supportive, collaborative and forward-thinking culture where employees are genuinely valued and rewarded for their contribution.
The Opportunity
This is a rare opportunity to join a successful privately owned manufacturing business in a role that is expected to develop into succession for the current Managing Director, who will continue as Chairman. You will be responsible for leading the day-to-day operation of the business while helping shape its long-term strategic direction. Working closely with the Board, you will build upon an already successful operation, developing people, strengthening leadership capability, improving performance and ensuring the business is positioned for sustainable growth. The successful candidate will bring a strong combination of operational leadership, commercial awareness and people development. You will be equally comfortable on the shop floor, in customer meetings and contributing to board-level decisions.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide overall leadership across manufacturing, engineering, maintenance, quality, supply chain, HSE and support functions.
- Develop a culture of operational excellence, accountability and continuous improvement.
- Coach, mentor and develop managers, creating a strong succession pipeline and future leadership capability.
- Drive improvements in productivity, efficiency, quality, delivery performance and profitability.
- Lead capital investment projects and support the adoption of new technologies and manufacturing systems.
- Maintain strong relationships with key customers and represent the business at senior-level meetings.
- Work closely with financial, technical and commercial leadership to achieve growth and profitability objectives.
- Support business development activities, identifying opportunities for growth within existing and new markets.
- Ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental and regulatory requirements.
- Build strong relationships with suppliers and negotiate key commercial agreements where required.
- Contribute to strategic planning, organisational development and long-term business growth initiatives.
- Assume overall responsibility for implementing manufacturing, commercial, financial and operational policies.
What We're Looking For
Essential
- Significant senior leadership experience within a manufacturing environment.
- Proven experience leading operational teams and delivering measurable business improvement.
- Strong people leadership skills with a track record of developing high-performing teams and future leaders.
- Experience managing change, driving operational excellence and embedding continuous improvement cultures.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, including budget, cost and profit responsibility.
- Experience working closely with customers, suppliers and senior stakeholders.
- Credible, visible leadership style with the ability to engage at all levels of an organisation.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to balance long-term direction and day-to-day operational demands.
Highly Desirable
- Experience within plastics manufacturing, polymer processing, injection moulding, rotational moulding, automotive, engineered products or other complex manufacturing environments.
- Experience leading capital investment, automation or manufacturing transformation programmes.
- Full site, business unit or divisional P&L responsibility.
- Experience operating within SME, privately owned or entrepreneurial manufacturing businesses.
- Degree qualified in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business or a related discipline.
- MBA, Master's degree or equivalent leadership qualification.
Personal Attributes
- Commercially minded and results focused.
- Confident, credible and inspiring leader.
- Collaborative and approachable management style.
- Curious, proactive and solutions driven.
- Strong communicator with the ability to influence across all levels.
- Passionate about developing people and building long-term organisational capability.
Future Progression
This position forms a key part of the company's succession planning strategy, with the successful individual expected to develop into the future Managing Director of the business. 2-stage onsite interview process including assessments.
Head of Operations (future MD) in Stone employer: Lithe Consulting
As a leading UK manufacturer in advanced polymer-based processes, this company stands out as an excellent employer by fostering a supportive and collaborative work culture where every employee's contribution is valued. With a commitment to innovation and long-term growth, employees benefit from ongoing development opportunities and a stable environment that prioritises their well-being and professional advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations (future MD) in Stone
✨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 Lithe Consulting, 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 (future MD) in Stone
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 Lithe Consulting 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 Lithe Consulting
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Lithe Consulting, 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 Lithe Consulting 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.
