Head Of Operations

Head of Operations Salary: Competitive + Benefits Package + Shares Location: Office-based, Cambridgeshire Overview We are seeking an experienced Head of Operations to take full ownership of day-to-day operations across manufacturing, quality, supply chain, finance, administration and people. This is a hands-on leadership role working closely with the CEO to strengthen operational control, support strategic decision-making and scale a specialist engineering business. This is an opportunity to join a high-performing, technically led organisation at a pivotal stage of its development, offering the successful candidate the scope to grow with the business as it enters its next phase of controlled growth. Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership & Governance * Provide end-to-end operational leadership and day-to-day management of the business * Deliver clear operational and financial insight to support planning, decision-making and strategy * Develop, report and embed KPIs to measure performance and drive continuous improvement * Support the CEO and leadership team to ensure technical projects are delivered on time, to quality and profitably * Act as a senior representative of the business with customers, suppliers and external partners Manufacturing, Quality & Supply Chain * Oversee manufacturing operations, scheduling and capacity planning to meet customer and project requirements * Own quality management across the business, ensuring robust processes, documentation and continuous improvement * Ensure products and services consistently meet internal standards and customer expectations * Lead supply chain activities including supplier selection, performance management and risk mitigation * Drive efficiency, cost control and delivery performance across manufacturing and supply chain functions Operations & Delivery * Lead day-to-day operational planning including workflow, scheduling and resource coordination * Ensure effective cross-functional alignment between engineering, manufacturing and operations People, Facilities & Compliance * Work with external HR providers on compliance, contracts and employee relations * Oversee recruitment, onboarding, performance management and workforce planning * Own facilities management, supplier contracts, compliance and Health & Safety Requirements Essential * Proven experience in an operations, manufacturing or engineering operations leadership role within a technical, manufacturing or product-led business * Demonstrable accountability for day-to-day operational delivery across manufacturing, production planning, quality and supply chain functions * Strong practical experience overseeing manufacturing or assembly operations, including scheduling, capacity planning, workflow management and delivery against customer and project requirements * Solid background in quality management, with experience implementing, maintaining or improving quality systems, processes and documentation to ensure consistent delivery and customer satisfaction * Experience managing suppliers and supply chains in a technically complex environment, including supplier performance management, lead-time control and risk mitigation * Track record of driving operational efficiency, delivery performance and continuous improvement across manufacturing and operational processes * Ability to develop and use operational KPIs to monitor performance, identify issues and drive corrective action * Comfortable operating in a hands-on, owner-managed or SME environment, able to balance strategic oversight with direct operational involvement * Working knowledge of operational finance, including cost awareness, budgeting input and delivery against margin or project targets, without requiring a finance-led background * Strong leadership and communication skills, with the credibility to work effectively with engineers, technicians, suppliers and senior stakeholders Desirable * Background in a small to mid-sized engineering, electronics, technical or manufacturing business Personal Attributes * Highly organised, pragmatic and comfortable owning a broad operational remit * Positive, can-do mindset, with a practical, solutions-focused approach and a willingness to take ownership through to resolution * Clear, confident communicator able to work effectively with a technically led CEO * Credible and influential, able to drive outcomes without reliance on hierarchy