Head of Operations in Gateshead

About Turntide Technologies

Turntide Technologies designs and manufactures best‑in‑class electric motors, power electronics, energy storage, and thermal equipment for all things that move. Our mission is to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy by providing innovative and efficient solutions for a cleaner future. We operate in North America, Canada, the UK, and India, serving customers in global markets and industries including off‑highway automotive, commercial vehicles, rail, marine, light vehicles, commercial buildings, and premium automotive.

Job Overview

We are hiring for a Head of Operations who is responsible for the strategic leadership, planning, and execution of operational activities across the organisation. This role ensures efficient, safe, and cost‑effective delivery of products or services while driving continuous improvement, operational excellence, and alignment with business objectives. The position is based at our site in Gateshead and reports to the Vice President of Operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership
  • Lead day‑to‑day operational activities in production, supply chain, logistics, and operational support functions.
  • Develop and execute the operations strategy aligned to company goals.
  • Ensure operational capability supports current and future business growth.
  • Drive high standards of operational discipline and accountability.
• Performance & KPIs
  • Own operational KPIs including on‑time delivery, productivity, cost efficiency, quality performance, and safety performance.
  • Implement performance management frameworks and regular operational reviews.
  • Identify risks to delivery and implement mitigation plans.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Champion continuous improvement initiatives across the organisation.
  • Implement lean manufacturing / operational excellence methodologies.
  • Lead efficiency and productivity improvement projects.
  • Promote a culture of problem solving and data‑driven decision making.
• Financial Management
  • Develop and manage operational budgets.
  • Deliver cost optimisation initiatives without compromising quality or safety.
  • Monitor operational performance against financial targets.
• Team Leadership
  • Lead, mentor, and develop operational leadership teams.
  • Build high‑performing teams and succession plans.
  • Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and engagement.
• Supply Chain & Partner Management
  • Oversee supplier and contract manufacturer relationships where applicable.
  • Ensure supply chain resilience and performance.
  • Work collaboratively with procurement and external partners.
• Quality, Compliance & Safety
  • Ensure adherence to quality standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Maintain strong health, safety, and environmental performance.
  • Ensure operational processes comply with company and industry standards.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Support product launches, scaling of production, and operational readiness.

Requirements Experience and Skills

• Extensive strategic expertise in operations, manufacturing, and supply chain management at the leadership level.
• Proven track record delivering operational performance improvements.
• Robust experience overseeing multi‑disciplinary operational teams.
• In‑depth experience managing complex operational environments.
• Performance management and KPI ownership.
• Highly skilled in Lean and operational excellence approaches.
• Strong financial and commercial awareness.
• Demonstrable robust stakeholder management capabilities.
• Excellent problem‑solving and decision‑making capability.

Qualifications

A degree or equivalent in engineering, operations management, or a related discipline is required. Relevant experience could also be considered.

Attributes – The Ideal Candidate Will Have the Following Personal Qualities

• Enthusiastic, flexible and able to thrive in times of ambiguity and change.
• Structured individual with the ability to interact and communicate at all levels of the organisation.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication and relationship building skills with internal and external stakeholders.
• Good commercial awareness and proactive problem‑solving skills to ensure business needs are understood and solutions are delivered.
• Ability to work well under pressure, prioritise work accordingly and meet tight deadlines.
• Pro‑active ownership of tasks and follow‑through to completion.
• Highest degree of moral and ethical behaviour.
• Ability to work alone with minimum guidance, but also effectively as part of a team.
• Confident, thoughtful and able to articulate ideas to both technical and non‑technical team members.
• Ability to mentor and train effectively, supporting development through hands‑on or practical experience.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to engage and drive a positive high‑performance culture.
• Agile approach to work.
• Creative problem solving and innovation.
• Hungry for success, self‑motivated, results‑driven and ambitious.
• Ability to travel within and outside of the UK.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Turntide Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.