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 70000 - 90000 £ 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 globally backed engineering and manufacturing business that prioritises employee growth and operational excellence. With a competitive salary, car allowance, and bonus structure, this role offers the chance to lead transformative initiatives in a supportive environment that values continuous improvement and innovation. Located in North West England, you will have the autonomy to make impactful changes while being part of a culture that fosters collaboration and high performance.
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 relevant 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 recent projects. We want you to walk in there ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can drive improvements in safety, quality, cost, delivery, and people.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've led teams to success in complex manufacturing environments. We want to hear about your experience with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives – make it clear how you can inspire and develop high-performing teams.
✨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 passionate individuals who are ready to make a meaningful impact in operations. Let’s get you that job!
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 leading operations, especially in manufacturing environments. We want to see how your skills align with the job description, so don’t hold back!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven operational excellence and cultural transformation in previous positions. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, make sure to showcase your leadership style and how you inspire teams. We’re looking for someone who can lead large, multidisciplinary teams, so give us a glimpse of how you’ve done this in the past.
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Morgan Ryder
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you brush up on your knowledge of foundry processes and operational strategies. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully implemented Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma initiatives.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires a strong leadership presence, so prepare to share stories that highlight your ability to lead and inspire large teams. Think about times when you’ve driven cultural transformation or improved team performance, and be ready to discuss these in detail.
✨Align with Business Objectives
Understand the company's growth objectives and be prepared to articulate how your operational strategy can align with these goals. Discuss how you would drive improvements across safety, quality, cost, delivery, and people (SQCDP) to support their vision.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
Since this role involves collaborating with engineering, quality, and commercial teams, think of examples where you've successfully worked cross-functionally. Be ready to explain how you can foster collaboration and communication between departments to optimise manufacturing processes.
