At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate operations across UK and international sites for a rapidly growing company.
- Company: Dynamic UK-based group with ambitious growth plans in marine and distribution sectors.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, profit share, private medical insurance, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Hands-on role with autonomy and influence at board level.
- Why this job: Shape the future of operations in a fast-paced environment with significant growth potential.
- Qualifications: Senior operations leadership experience in manufacturing or distribution, with strong logistics knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Full‑Time | Senior Leadership Role
£80,000 - £100,000 + Profit Share + Benefits
The Opportunity
I'm recruiting exclusively on behalf of 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 £40m 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‑prove 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.
Key Objectives (12‑24 month horizon)
- 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
- £80,000 - £100,000 base salary (DOE)
- 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
Working Pattern
- Core hours: 7:30am - 5:00pm
- Flexibility required to meet operational demands
Head of Manufacturing Operations in Halton employer: UBT
Join a dynamic and rapidly growing UK-based group in Widnes, Cheshire, where you will play a pivotal role as the Head of Manufacturing Operations. This company offers an entrepreneurial work culture that values innovation and operational excellence, alongside competitive benefits such as profit sharing, private medical insurance, and significant opportunities for professional growth. With a clear vision for expansion and a commitment to empowering its leaders, this is an exceptional opportunity for those looking to make a meaningful impact in a fast-paced environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Manufacturing Operations in Halton
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like UBT, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Manufacturing Operations in Halton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to UBT specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at UBT
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with UBT, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like UBT value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
