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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate operations across UK and international sites for a rapidly growing company.
- Company: Join a dynamic UK-based group with ambitious growth plans in marine and distribution sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy profit share, private medical insurance, and 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by architecting scalable operations in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Proven senior operations leadership experience in manufacturing or distribution.
- Other info: Autonomy and influence with genuine board-level exposure in a hands-on role.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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-proof 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.
- 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
- 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)
- Full responsibility for import/export operations and international delivery systems
- Customs documentation, commercial invoices and shipment control
- ISO, H&S and project delivery compliance
- 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
- 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
Seniority level: Director
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Management and Engineering
Head of Operations in Widnes employer: UBT
Contact Detail:
UBT Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in Widnes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Head of Operations role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their operations, challenges, and growth plans. This will help you showcase how you can bring operational rigour and scalability to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in managing subcontract manufacturers and improving logistics. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations in Widnes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Operations. Highlight your experience in operational leadership, especially in manufacturing or distribution, and don’t forget to showcase your achievements in 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 specific examples of how you've improved operational processes or led teams to success in previous positions.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, emphasise your solutions-focused mindset. Share instances where you’ve tackled complex challenges head-on and how your approach led to successful outcomes. We love candidates who can think outside the box!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at UBT
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Operations, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics. Brush up on the current DIFOT performance and be ready to discuss how you would improve it from 91% to 96%+. Show them you can back your strategies with data.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires a hands-on leader who can also operate strategically. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in fast-paced environments. Be ready to discuss how you balance being involved in day-to-day operations while also setting the vision for the future.
✨Be Solutions-Focused
The company is looking for someone who can strip back legacy processes and rebuild scalable systems. Think of specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. Highlight your pragmatic approach and resilience in solving complex problems.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the company's market and competitors. Be prepared to discuss how you would strengthen the relationship between sales and operations. Showing that you understand the commercial side of the business will set you apart as a candidate who can drive growth.
