Head of Operations

Cardiff

-85,000 - -95,000 + 15% Bonus + Excellent Benefits

Are you an inspirational Head of Operations looking to make a genuine impact within a business that''s investing heavily in its future?

We''re recruiting for a Head of Operations to join a leading manufacturing organisation in Cardiff that is undergoing an exciting period of growth, investment and transformation. With significant capital investment, site-wide improvement projects and a clear long-term strategy, this is a rare opportunity to join a business where operational excellence and continuous improvement sit at the heart of everything they do.

As Head of Operations, you''ll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the manufacturing facility, leading operational strategy while developing a high-performing leadership team capable of delivering world-class manufacturing standards.

This opportunity would suit an experienced Head of Operations, Operations Manager, Manufacturing Manager or Senior Operations Leader with a passion for people development, operational excellence and driving sustainable business improvements.

The Role:

Reporting into the Site Director, the Head of Operations will take full responsibility for the day-to-day manufacturing operation, leading multiple departments to deliver exceptional standards across safety, quality, delivery, cost and people development.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead and develop a high-performing operational leadership team across manufacturing.
• Drive a culture of accountability, engagement and continuous improvement throughout the site.
• Champion Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives to improve productivity, quality and efficiency.
• Deliver improvements across safety, quality, OEE, waste reduction, customer service and cost performance.
• Work collaboratively with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality and CI functions to deliver strategic business objectives.
• Support the delivery of ongoing capital investment, automation and manufacturing improvement projects.
• Coach, mentor and develop future leaders, creating clear succession plans across the operation.
• Drive operational performance through KPI management, visual management and structured problem-solving techniques.
• Lead change management initiatives while ensuring colleagues remain engaged throughout the transformation journey.
• Play a key role in shaping the site''s long-term operational strategy alongside the senior leadership team.

What We''re Looking For

We''re looking for a visible, engaging and people-focused leader who has successfully led large manufacturing operations within a fast-paced environment.

Ideally you''ll have:

• Previous experience as a Head of Operations, Senior Operations Manager, Operations Director, Manufacturing Manager or Site Operations Leader.
• A proven track record of leading large manufacturing teams through periods of growth and transformation.
• Strong leadership credentials with a genuine passion for developing, coaching and growing people.
• Extensive experience driving Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement programmes.
• Excellent understanding of KPIs including OEE, productivity, quality, waste reduction and delivery performance.
• Experience embedding CI tools such as Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping and Root Cause Analysis.
• The ability to influence, inspire and engage teams at every level of the organisation.
• A strategic mindset combined with a hands-on leadership style and strong commercial awareness.

If you''re an ambitious Head of Operations who thrives on developing people, driving operational excellence and leading transformational change, this is an exceptional opportunity to join a business with genuine ambition, significant investment plans and an exciting future ahead.

Apply today to find out more about this outstanding leadership opportunity in Cardiff.