At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform operations in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Globally backed engineering and manufacturing business with a focus on growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, and autonomy in decision-making.
- Other info: High-visibility role with opportunities for cultural transformation and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping operational strategy and driving performance.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in manufacturing and strong knowledge of foundry processes.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
A rare opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head of Operations / Plant Leader to join a well-established, globally backed engineering and manufacturing business. This is a high-impact leadership role where you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the operational strategy, driving performance and leading large, multidisciplinary teams in a complex, metal casting environment.
This is a business investing in its future – with a clear mandate to enhance operational performance, improve efficiency and embed a culture of continuous improvement. You will have the autonomy and backing to make meaningful, lasting changes across the site.
Key Responsibilities- Lead end-to-end site operations across production and maintenance
- Develop and execute operational strategy aligned to business growth objectives
- Drive improvements across safety, quality, cost, delivery, and people (SQCDP)
- Implement and embed Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and CI initiatives
- Optimise manufacturing processes across foundry and machining environments
- Oversee maintenance strategy to maximise asset reliability and uptime
- Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing operations team
- Manage budgets, capital investment and cost optimisation programmes
- Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, quality and commercial teams
- Proven experience as a Head of Operations, Plant Manager, or equivalent senior leader
- Strong knowledge of foundry processes (investment, sand, die, centrifugal casting)
- Demonstrated success leading large-scale manufacturing operations
- Track record of delivering operational excellence and cultural transformation
- Deep understanding of Lean, CI tools, and modern manufacturing practices
- Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence at board level
- Engineering degree or equivalent experience preferred
- Strategic, high-visibility role reporting to the CEO
- Opportunity to lead and transform a significant UK manufacturing site
- Backed by a financially stable and growth-focused group
- Genuine autonomy to shape operations and deliver measurable impact
Head of Operations employer: Morgan Ryder
Join a forward-thinking engineering and manufacturing business in North West England, where you will have the opportunity to lead transformative operational strategies in a dynamic environment. With a strong commitment to employee development and a culture of continuous improvement, this company offers competitive salaries, car allowances, and bonuses, alongside the autonomy to make impactful changes. Experience a supportive work culture that values innovation and collaboration, ensuring your contributions are recognised and rewarded.
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, attend events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Head of Operations role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their operational strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. We want you to show them you’re the perfect fit for driving performance and leading teams!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've implemented Lean Manufacturing or driven cultural transformation in previous roles. We want you to demonstrate your impact and how you can bring that to their site.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals who can help us shape the future of operations in manufacturing.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Operations role. Highlight your leadership experience in manufacturing and any relevant achievements in operational excellence.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your vision for operational strategy and how you plan to drive performance improvements in a complex environment like ours.
Showcase Your Achievements:Quantify your successes! Whether it's improving efficiency or leading a team, use numbers to back up your claims. This helps us see the impact you've made in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Morgan Ryder
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's operations and their specific manufacturing processes. Familiarise yourself with their foundry techniques and any recent projects they've undertaken. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully led large teams in the past. Think of specific examples where you've driven performance improvements or implemented Lean Manufacturing principles. This will help demonstrate your capability to inspire and develop a high-performing operations team.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to operational challenges. Practice articulating how you would handle issues like optimising manufacturing processes or managing budgets. This will showcase your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking, which are crucial for this role.
✨Align with Their Vision
Research the company's future goals and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their operational strategy. Highlight your experience in driving cultural transformation and continuous improvement initiatives. This alignment will show that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in helping them achieve their objectives.
