Head of Manufacturing Operations
Head of Manufacturing Operations

Head of Manufacturing Operations

Full-Time 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
TEKEVER

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the UK manufacturing team and innovate production processes.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking company in aerospace and advanced technology.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, health insurance, and pension contributions.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to drive sustainability initiatives.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment focused on innovation and quality.
  • Qualifications: Leadership experience in advanced manufacturing and strong communication skills.

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 employer: TEKEVER

As a leading employer in the aerospace and advanced technology sector, we offer an exceptional work environment where innovation thrives and employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact. Our commitment to professional growth is evident through comprehensive benefits, including a generous pension scheme, medical and dental insurance, and opportunities for continuous improvement and learning. Located in the UK, our culture fosters collaboration and creativity, making it an ideal place for those looking to advance their careers while contributing to cutting-edge manufacturing operations.
TEKEVER

Contact Detail:

TEKEVER Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Manufacturing Operations

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local manufacturing events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching the company and its manufacturing processes. We want to see you shine, so come armed with questions that show your interest in their operations and how you can contribute to their success.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've built teams or improved processes in past roles. We love hearing about your hands-on approach and how you’ve driven innovation in manufacturing.

✨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 can help us build a quality-obsessed production organisation.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Manufacturing Operations

Leadership Experience
Manufacturing Capability Development
Process Design
Facility Set-Up
Scalable Manufacturing Systems
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Digital Manufacturing Tools
Regulatory Compliance
Supplier Relationship Management
Lean Manufacturing
Kaizen
Data-Driven Decision-Making
Sustainability Practices
Quality Systems Knowledge (AS9100 / ISO9001)
Excellent Communication Skills

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!

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 your previous 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 of how you've built and scaled teams in the past. Talk about your approach to fostering a culture of innovation and empowerment. Companies want to see that you can lead a team effectively while encouraging them to experiment and improve continuously.

✨Be a Strategic Thinker

Demonstrate your ability to think strategically while being hands-on. Discuss how you’ve collaborated cross-functionally to shorten development cycles and maintain quality. This will highlight your capability to balance big-picture thinking with practical execution.

✨Understand Compliance and Quality Systems

Familiarise yourself with quality systems like AS9100 and ISO9001. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve ensured regulatory compliance while maintaining agility in your previous roles. This knowledge is crucial for the position and will show you’re serious about quality.

Head of Manufacturing Operations
TEKEVER

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