Full job descriptionHead of Operations

Role Purpose
Lead end-to-end operations across a precision multi-axis CNC machining business to deliver Right First Time quality, industry-leading OTIF performance, and competitive cost. The Head of Operations owns the production system—from sales handover and planning through machining, special processes/sub-contract management, assembly, inspection, and despatch—driving safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people development in line with growth strategy across Aerospace, Defence, and Industrial sectors.

Key Responsibilities

1) Safety, Compliance & Governance
*Champion a zero-harm culture; ensure full compliance with UK HSE legislation and customer/prime contractor requirements.
*Maintain and continuously improve certifications (e.g., AS9100 Rev D / ISO 9001); ensure robust change control, risk management, PPAP/FAI and control of special processes.
*Ensure Defence sector compliance where applicable (e.g., export controls/ITAR awareness, custody of controlled data, visitor control, Cyber Essentials practices).
2) Operational Leadership & Execution
*Own the daily/weekly production plan, capacity loading, and S&OP alignment; deliver confirmed customer promise dates and >95% OTIF.
*Lead multi-axis machining operations (3, 4, 5-axis milling; mill-turn; turning centres), programming workflow (CAM), setup optimisation, tool management, and robust first-off approvals.
*Oversee NPI/industrialisation: process routing, work instructions, PFMEA/Control Plans, tooling/fixturing design sign-off, and Capability Studies (Cp/Cpk).
*Manage subcontract/special processes (e.g., heat treatment, anodising, passivation, coatings, NDT) to specification and lead time.
*Drive Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and asset care to maximise OEE and uptime; approve capex for new machines, automation, and metrology.
3) Quality & Continuous Improvement
*Own quality KPIs (PPM, scrap, rework, concessions) and drive Right First Time culture using Lean/Six Sigma tools (5S, VSM, SMED, Poka Yoke, Statistical Process Control).
*Ensure robust metrology and inspection (CMM programming, GD&T interpretation, calibration control) and effective MRB/8D problem solving.
*Introduce standard work, visual management, and tiered daily management to stabilise and continuously improve flow.

Required Experience & Qualifications
*Significant senior operations leadership in precision CNC machining (multi-axis milling and turning) for Aerospace/Defence environments.
*Proven track record delivering AS9100 Rev D compliant operations, customer audits, and NPI/FAI through to stable serial production.
*Expertise in Lean/Six Sigma with measurable improvements in OEE, lead time, and cost (Green Belt or higher preferred).
*Strong working knowledge of GD&T, CMM/inspection techniques, SPC, PFMEA/Control Plans, and special process controls.
*Hands-on competence with ERP/MRP systems and finite capacity scheduling.
*Commercial acumen in cost modelling, make/buy, and supplier development.
*Excellent leadership, communication, and change management skills across shop floor to boardroom.
*Desirable: Degree/HNC in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering (or equivalent), IOSH/NEBOSH, ASQ certification, experience with automation/robotic tending and digital manufacturing.

Competencies & Behaviours
*Strategic Operator: Can convert growth strategy into a resourced, staged operating plan.
*Data Driven: Uses facts, SPC, and financials to prioritise and sustain improvements.
*Decisive & Hands On: Comfortable on the shop floor and in the boardroom; leads by example.
*Customer Focused: Anticipates needs of primes/Tier 1s; proactive communication and recovery planning.
*Continuous Improvement Mindset: Relentless on stability, flow, and waste elimination.

What We Offer
*Opportunity to shape and scale a high-precision operation serving mission-critical sectors.
*Investment mindset: modern machine tools, metrology, and CI programmes.
*Highly competitive package commensurate with experience, plus performance bonus tied to SQDCP outcomes.