At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and scale UK manufacturing operations with a focus on innovation and quality.
- Company: Dynamic aerospace and defence company committed to excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, matched pension, generous holiday, and a positive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to drive sustainability and efficiency in a collaborative team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in advanced manufacturing while fostering a culture of innovation.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in aerospace or advanced technology manufacturing with a strategic mindset.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 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.
Head of Manufacturing Operations in London employer: TEKEVER
Contact Detail:
TEKEVER Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Manufacturing Operations in London
✨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 interviews by researching the company and its culture. We recommend practising common interview questions and tailoring your answers to highlight your experience in lean manufacturing and team leadership. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to us. Plus, it gives you a better chance of standing out in the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Manufacturing Operations in London
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. Make it personal and show us why you're the perfect fit for our culture of innovation.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Quantify your achievements where possible, like improvements in production efficiency or quality compliance. We love numbers that tell a story!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team.
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 implemented 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 of how you've built and scaled teams in previous positions. 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.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions about digital manufacturing tools and methods, like additive manufacturing and data-driven production control. Brush up on these topics so you can confidently discuss how you've used them to enhance production quality and efficiency.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking
Think about how you can contribute to the company's goals beyond just operations. Be prepared to discuss your strategic vision for scaling manufacturing capabilities and how you would maintain quality compliance while driving innovation. This will show that you're not just focused on the day-to-day but also on long-term success.