Head of Operations

Manpower is seeking to recruit a Head of Operations to join our client's team.

The successful candidate will be educated to degree level (e.g., Engineering, Science or Business related) and be able to demonstrate previous experience and success in managing the full operations function. Preference will be given to candidates with knowledge and experience gained within a Lean/Continuous Improvement environment, together with a good understanding of budgetary control and management within production, services, engineering and logistics.

It is expected that the Head of Operations will be a "change" agent with the personality and drive to lead the organisation through change management and culture initiatives and have a demonstrable ability to support, advise, coach and provide clear objectives and communication to direct reports and colleagues within the wider business. The person will also play a key role in executing the overall business strategic objectives, ensuring an effective tactical plan is in place, implemented, and results-focused.

Duties and responsibilities will include:

• To drive and lead the organization through change management and culture initiatives and have demonstrable ability to support, advise, coach and provide clear objectives and communication to direct reports and colleagues within the wider business.
• To be responsible in executing the overall business strategic objectives, ensuring an effective tactical plan is in place, implemented and results focused.
• To lead and develop functional managers to maximize performance and efficiency within corresponding departments.
• To be responsible for the effective planning and delivery of plant performance targets to meet current and future customer requirements in terms of quality, volumes and deadlines.
• To manage the planning and setting of maintenance and capital investment budgets for all plant, equipment, buildings, transport etc.
• To ensure effective organization of operational activities and investments within agreed plans and budgets.
• To be responsible for the planning and co-ordination of the usage of external providers to support plant capability.
• To ensure that manpower capacities are capable of meeting plant demands.
• To ensure the sites compliance to environmental and safety at work requirements, coordinating with appropriate outside bodies etc. where necessary.
• To direct measures to continuously improve product quality.
• To implement the development of multi-skilling / cross-learning and productivity improvement activity.
• To be responsible for the selection, direction and motivation of subordinates to promote effective teamwork.
• To ensure effective performance assessments and personnel development systems are in place.
• To contribute to the discussion and decision making process for the growth and development of the business as a whole.
• To ensure a high quality/standard of work and service throughout.
• To perform any other duties which may be assigned from time to time.

Job Requirements:

• An MBA or an Engineering Degree is a must.
• A minimum of 3 years experience in an operations manager/production role within a manufacturing/technical environment.
• Excellent interpersonal/social skills;
• Good analytical skills;
• Entrepreneurially minded with a sense of urgency;
• An effective "self-starter", decision maker and innovative;
• Demonstrates empathy and patience when appropriate;
• Provide effective, strategic business feedback / develop business relationships;
• Have the ability to develop and deliver a vision and strategy.