Head of Operations

at  Brookwood Recruitment

My Client is one of the leading metal stockholders and processing suppliers in the UK. Renowned for supplying a diverse range of ferrous and non-ferrous products. Their extensive in-house processing portfolio in combination with our expertise enables us to deliver cost efficient metal solutions and high-quality steel products.
As a pioneer of digital transformation in the steel and metal industry we continuously strive to add value to their customers by investing into digital technologies and introducing innovative eProcurement solutions.
They are passionate about sustainability and aim to transform our industry by playing an active role in building a sustainable future for our employees, customers, community and future generations.
Role Overview:
The Head of Operations plays a pivotal role in promoting consistent progress across safety, quality, timely delivery, productivity, and resource optimization. By utilizing lean manufacturing techniques, this role is responsible for overseeing daily manufacturing and production activities at the Dudley Flat Bed and Tube laser site. The Head of Operations blends strategic and practical abilities to manage and engage production teams, ensuring financial targets are met, employee safety is prioritized, and customer requirements are fulfilled, all while maintaining compliance with regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead business operations to achieve financial budgets and stretch targets.
• Oversee the safe, efficient, and daily execution of manufacturing operations.
• Manage employee performance within the framework of company policies, focusing on health and safety, training, performance management, and compliance.
• Continuously drive operational efficiency and performance improvements by setting and tracking SMART objectives and KPIs.
• Manage asset utilization, production planning, and capacity management.
• Improve customer responsiveness by reducing manufacturing cycle times and setup times.
• Eliminate waste to increase quality yields, reduce machine downtime, and minimize production losses.
• Oversee the effective management of despatch processes to meet customer expectations.
• Ensure activities are properly prioritized and resourced to fulfill customer requirements.
• Develop employees and establish a robust succession plan for sustained business growth.
• Regularly appraise team members’ performance against set objectives.
• Act as a center of excellence, supporting all business units in operational best practices.
• Subordinates:** Responsible for managing approximately 130 employees.

• Materials and Budget: Responsible for managing a budget expenditure of up to £7 million.

  Person Specification:
  Education/Qualifications and Training:

  Essential:

• Degree/HND in manufacturing, science, business, or significant operational management experience in the metals industry.

  Desirable:

• MBA/MSc in Operations or Supply Chain Management.

  Relevant Experience/Skills/Knowledge:

  Essential:

• Proven expertise in leading change initiatives and driving operational improvements.

• Strong knowledge of employment, health, safety, and environmental legislation, as well as ISO management systems.
• Demonstrated success in leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Experience in deploying lean manufacturing methodologies, including flow and bottleneck management.
• Comprehensive knowledge of production, metal processing, and cost control.
• Expertise in budgeting and financial management.

• Significant operational management experience in the metals industry or fastners

  Desirable:

• Proficiency in SAP or similar ERP systems.

• Certified Six Sigma or Lean practitioner.
• Experience in supply chain and logistics management.
• Familiarity with digital tools to optimize operations.
• Expertise in production planning, capacity management, and stock control.
• Proven ability to set and evaluate performance targets and KPIs.
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Proficient in MS Excel, Word, and ERP systems.

• Lead business operations to achieve financial budgets and stretch targets.
• Oversee the safe, efficient, and daily execution of manufacturing operations.
• Manage employee performance within the framework of company policies, focusing on health and safety, training, performance management, and compliance.
• Continuously drive operational efficiency and performance improvements by setting and tracking SMART objectives and KPIs.
• Manage asset utilization, production planning, and capacity management.
• Improve customer responsiveness by reducing manufacturing cycle times and setup times.
• Eliminate waste to increase quality yields, reduce machine downtime, and minimize production losses.
• Oversee the effective management of despatch processes to meet customer expectations.
• Ensure activities are properly prioritized and resourced to fulfill customer requirements.
• Develop employees and establish a robust succession plan for sustained business growth.
• Regularly appraise team members’ performance against set objectives.
• Act as a center of excellence, supporting all business units in operational best practices.
• Subordinates:** Responsible for managing approximately 130 employees.
• Materials and Budget: Responsible for managing a budget expenditure of up to £7 million