At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and scale UK manufacturing operations with a focus on innovation and quality.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company in the Aerospace and Defence sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, medical insurance, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to work with cutting-edge production techniques.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while driving sustainability and efficiency.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in advanced manufacturing and strong understanding of lean principles.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ per year.
We are seeking a Head of Manufacturing Operations to lead the establishment and scaling of our UK manufacturing capability. This role blends technical depth with entrepreneurial drive, building a lean, adaptive, and quality‑obsessed production organisation.
Responsibilities
- Build and lead the operational UK production and manufacturing function, including team formation, process design, and facility set‑up.
- Develop and implement scalable, flexible manufacturing systems capable of supporting rapid iteration, prototyping, and small‑to‑medium batch production.
- Foster a culture of innovation and empowerment, enabling engineering and production teams to experiment, learn, and continuously improve.
- Collaborate cross‑functionally to shorten development cycles and maintain exceptional quality.
- Implement modern digital manufacturing tools and methods, such as additive manufacturing, digital twins, and data‑driven production control and quality.
- Ensure regulatory and quality compliance while maintaining agility and innovation.
- Oversee supplier relationships and develop a responsive, resilient supply chain with an emphasis on UK content and rapid turnaround.
- Champion continuous improvement through lean manufacturing, Kaizen, and data‑led decision‑making.
- Drive sustainability and efficiency in materials, energy, and process management.
Profile & Requirements
- Proven leadership experience in Aerospace, Defence or advanced‑technology manufacturing.
- Deep understanding of modern production techniques, lean principles and digital manufacturing.
- Experience building and scaling teams and facilities from early stage to operational maturity.
- Track record of delivering complex, high‑quality engineered products to demanding standards.
- Strong understanding of quality systems (AS9100 / ISO9001) and regulatory environments.
- Strategic thinker with a hands‑on, collaborative approach.
- Excellent communication, team‑building and coaching skills.
Benefits
- An excellent work environment and an opportunity to make a difference.
- Salary commensurate with level of experience.
- Company pension contribution matched up to 10%.
- 25 days annual holiday plus 8 bank holidays.
- Medical insurance.
- Dental insurance.
- Salary sacrifice initiatives (EV Scheme, Cycle 2 Work, Tech Scheme).
- Discretionary annual company bonus.
Head of Manufacturing Operations in England employer: TEKEVER
Contact Detail:
TEKEVER Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Manufacturing Operations in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can get you in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We want to show that we’re not just a good fit for the role, but also for the team. Tailor your answers to reflect their values and goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or mentors. We can help each other refine our responses and boost our confidence before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows we’re genuinely interested and keeps us fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why we’re the right fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Manufacturing Operations in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Manufacturing Operations. Highlight your leadership experience in Aerospace or Defence, and showcase your understanding of lean principles and digital manufacturing techniques.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us about your entrepreneurial drive and how you've built and scaled teams in the past. Don't forget to mention your passion for innovation and quality in manufacturing.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to deliver high-quality engineered products. Use metrics where possible to show how you’ve improved processes or led successful projects.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at TEKEVER
✨Know Your Manufacturing Stuff
Make sure you brush up on modern production techniques and lean principles. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles, especially in Aerospace or Defence. This shows you're not just a leader but also someone who understands the nitty-gritty of manufacturing.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in building and scaling teams. Talk about how you've fostered a culture of innovation and empowerment in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to lead effectively and inspire your team.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions about digital manufacturing tools and quality systems like AS9100 or ISO9001. Brush up on these topics and think of specific instances where you've implemented such systems. This will show your technical depth and readiness for the role.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex ideas. Good communication is key in this role, so be prepared to explain your strategies and decisions in a way that's easy to understand. This will help you connect with the interviewers.