Head of Operations

The Head of Operations will lead all aspects of our clients day-to-day operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production that meets customer requirements. This role is critical to protecting customers, employees, and the company’s reputation, while enabling operational excellence and sustainable growth. Ensure accountability for delivering on Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, and People (SQDIP) performance, while also driving long-term operational excellence.

The Head of Operations and QHSE will manage quality management systems, lead continuous improvement in safety and environmental practices, and act as the custodian of compliance with industry standards and legislation. They will oversee KPI reporting to ensure transparency and accountability, implement strategic improvement projects, and champion Continuous Improvement initiatives across the business. Acting as a key member of the senior leadership team, this role will be instrumental in shaping the operational strategy, building high-performing teams, and ensuring the business remains competitive, agile, and fit for future growth.

Key Skills

Technical & Operational Expertise

·Extensive knowledge of manufacturing operations, production systems, and process optimisation.

·Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.

·Proficiency in root cause analysis, CAPA, and Lean/Six Sigma tools (Six Sigma Black Belt minimum)

·Experience with supply chain management, procurement, and inventory optimisation.

·In-depth knowledge of ISO standards (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 or equivalent).

·Experience with audit management, compliance reporting, and certification.

·Strong understanding of health, safety, and environmental regulations and compliance.

·Familiarity with ERP systems, production planning software, and data analytics tools.

·Experience with project management methodologies and tools.

Leadership & Management

·Proven track record of leading large, multi-disciplinary teams including quality, health & safety, and environmental functions.

·Strong decision-making and accountability, including authority to stop production, quarantine product, or suspend activities where safety, quality, or compliance is at risk.

·Highly developed people management skills, including coaching, mentoring, performance management, and succession planning. Experience in driving culture change and embedding compliance mindsets.

·Excellent change management and transformation leadership skills.

·Ability to build and sustain high-performance cultures.

·Experience managing P&L responsibility and budget accountability.

Analytical & Strategic Thinking

·Advanced data analysis and interpretation skills with ability to derive actionable insights.

·Strong problem-solving capabilities using structured methodologies.

·Strategic planning and execution experience.

·Ability to translate business strategy into operational plans.

·Ability to translate complex compliance requirements into practical solutions

·Experience with performance measurement and KPI development.

Communication & Collaboration

·Excellent written and verbal communication skills at all organisational levels.

·Strong presentation skills for audits, board-level and customer-facing situations.

·Proven ability to influence and negotiate with internal and external stakeholders.

·Cross-functional collaboration and matrix management experience.

·Customer relationship management capabilities.