At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate manufacturing operations to drive growth and efficiency.
- Company: Rapidly scaling UK-based group with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, profit share, private medical insurance, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Hands-on role with autonomy and board-level exposure.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transforming operations for a fast-growing company.
- Qualifications: Senior operations leadership experience in manufacturing or distribution.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € 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
This role will suit someone who is:
- 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 Widnes employer: UBT
Join a rapidly scaling UK-based group in Widnes, Cheshire, where you will play a pivotal role as the Head of Manufacturing Operations. This company offers a dynamic work culture that values innovation and accountability, providing you with the autonomy to design and implement scalable systems while enjoying competitive benefits such as profit share, private medical insurance, and genuine board-level exposure. With a clear ambition for growth, this is an excellent opportunity for those looking to make a significant impact in a fast-paced environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Manufacturing Operations in Widnes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their growth plans and think about how your experience can help them scale effectively. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the one they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how you can strip back and rebuild operations without losing momentum. Highlight your past successes in similar roles to demonstrate your capability.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Manufacturing Operations in Widnes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Manufacturing Operations. Highlight your experience in operational leadership, especially in manufacturing and logistics, and don’t forget to showcase any achievements that align with scaling operations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention your solutions-focused mindset and how you’ve tackled challenges in previous positions. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on quantifiable achievements. For instance, if you've improved performance metrics or streamlined processes, share those numbers! It’s all about demonstrating your impact and capability.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at UBT
✨Know Your Numbers
For a role like Head of Manufacturing Operations, it's crucial to be familiar with key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics. Brush up on your understanding of DIFOT, lead times, and how to improve them. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed these metrics in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This position requires a hands-on leader who can also operate strategically. Prepare to share your leadership philosophy and provide examples of how you've built effective teams and improved operational processes. Highlight your ability to challenge the norm and implement scalable systems without disrupting momentum.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Research the company’s current operations and growth ambitions. Familiarise yourself with their market position and competitors. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to scaling their operations effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and resilience under pressure. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles, particularly in manufacturing or logistics, and how you overcame them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
