Head of Operations

Operations Manager – Medical Manufacturing

Location: Dunstable, UK

Salary: £70,000

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

A well-established UK-based manufacturer and distributor of medical and cleanroom consumables is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead and enhance operational performance across manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, and quality assurance.

With a strong reputation for supporting healthcare provision, aseptic production, and pharmaceutical environments, the business offers a dynamic and regulated environment where operational excellence directly impacts patient safety and product integrity.

As part of the Senior Leadership Team, you will play a key strategic role in delivering the company’s growth objectives while holding delegated responsibility for Health and Safety on site.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee end-to-end manufacturing operations with a focus on cost-efficiency, quality, and timely delivery.
• Drive procurement planning to align with inventory levels, production schedules, and customer demand.
• Monitor overdue orders and proactively communicate delays across teams.
• Produce and analyze KPI reports, introducing corrective measures where needed.
• Implement Lean, Six Sigma, and 5S practices to improve process efficiency and quality standards.
• Maintain compliance with regulatory standards, managing audits and certifications (ISO, medical device regulations).
• Ensure warehouse and logistics processes are accurate, compliant, and efficient – including expiry and stock control.
• Lead supplier performance evaluations and sourcing strategies to mitigate risks and ensure continuity.
• Take ownership of site-level Health and Safety, ensuring all protocols and legislation are upheld.
• Lead and develop a team of direct reports through training, coaching, and performance development.
• Support long-term business planning as a contributing member of the leadership team.

Requirements:

• HNC/HND or Degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• IOSH Managing Safely certification (preferred).
• Proven track record in senior operations/production management, ideally in medical devices or similarly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Deep understanding of Continuous Improvement, Lean methodologies, and Six Sigma tools.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to coach, mentor, and manage cross-functional teams.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving capabilities.
• Confident managing KPIs, audits, and quality systems.

This is a rare opportunity to join a forward-thinking and reputable business with a strong market presence. If you are a hands-on, strategic leader looking to make a tangible impact in a regulated manufacturing setting, we would love to hear from you.