At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise operations across UK and international sites for a rapidly growing company.
- Company: Join RLT Group, a dynamic UK-based firm with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Enjoy profit share, a company vehicle, private medical insurance, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: This hands-on role offers autonomy and board-level exposure in a thriving business.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by architecting scalable operations in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Senior operations leadership experience in manufacturing or distribution is essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
RLT Group is a rapidly scaling UK-based group operating across marine, onsite and wholesale distribution, currently turning over £9.5–£10m with a clearly defined ambition to reach £30m by 2030. This is a critical, newly created leadership role designed to bring operational rigour, structure and scalability into the business. The organisation is commercially strong, sales-led and entrepreneurial — what’s needed now is a senior operational leader who can strip back, rebuild and future-proof operations without disrupting momentum.
You will operate as a standalone operational silo, initially reporting to the commercial director, with full autonomy to design systems, set KPIs and drive delivery across production, warehousing, logistics and international supply chains. This role is not about maintaining the status quo — it’s about doing the extraordinary.
- Scale operational capability in line with aggressive growth plans
- Improve DIFOT performance from 91% to 96%+, with international shipments targeted at 100%
- Reduce project lead times to 2 weeks
- Implement scalable systems across manufacturers, warehouses and logistics
- Strengthen the relationship between sales and operations
- Create structure without slowing the business down
What You’ll Be Accountable For
- Operational Leadership
- End-to-end ownership of operations across UK and international sites
- Oversight of multiple warehouses (including Europe) and subcontract manufacturers
- Direct management of warehouse leadership and operational teams
- Production & Supply Chain
- Managing 3–4 key manufacturing partners (with 10–12 factory-based personnel)
- Production planning, forecasting and component control
- JIT / Lean principles where appropriate
- Oversight of technical specification checks (technical team to transfer into role)
- Logistics, Customs & Compliance
- Full responsibility for import/export operations and international delivery systems
- Customs documentation, commercial invoices and shipment control
- ISO, H&S and project delivery compliance
- Systems & Process Improvement
- Strip back legacy processes and rebuild scalable, joined-up systems
- ERP / supply chain system optimisation
- Stock control, purchasing, dispatch and delivery performance
- KPI setting, reporting and accountability frameworks
This is a hands-on leadership role — you will be expected to roll your sleeves up where required while still operating at a strategic level.
The Profile That Will Succeed
- Humble, hungry and smart — no ego, high accountability
- Solutions-focused, pragmatic and resilient
- Customer-focused mindset that is willing to do the extraordinary
- Comfortable challenging the norm and “taking the bull by the horns”
- Calm under pressure with ability to work with other colleagues to demanding deadlines
- Commercially aware and deeply operationally credible
Experience & Capability
- Senior operations leadership within manufacturing, wholesale or distribution
- Strong background in metalwork / engineering / manufacturing environments
- Proven experience managing subcontract manufacturers
- Deep understanding of import/export, customs and international logistics
- Track record of scaling operations in fast-growth businesses
- Systems-led, data-driven and IT savvy (Excel competence beneficial)
You won’t be fazed by complexity, ambiguity or hard work — you’ll thrive on it.
What’s on Offer
- Profit share bonus
- Company vehicle
- Private medical insurance
- Laptop and phone
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- On-site parking
- Autonomy, influence and genuine board-level exposure
- The opportunity to architect operations in a business with serious growth ambition
Head of Operations in Widnes employer: RLT Group
RLT Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and operational excellence are at the forefront. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the autonomy to shape and scale operations while enjoying benefits such as a profit share bonus, private medical insurance, and 25 days of holiday. Join a commercially driven team that values your contributions and provides genuine board-level exposure in a rapidly growing organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in Widnes
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like RLT Group and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at RLT Group!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like RLT Group keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations in Widnes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to RLT Group:This is your chance to really connect with the team at RLT Group. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at RLT Group
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with RLT Group.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show RLT Group that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at RLT Group. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
