Head of Operations

Our client is a global manufacturer with established and ever-expanding operations in Northern Ireland. They have enjoyed consistent and steady growth due to delivery success and, based on business requirements, are further developing their sites and capability. To lead this delivery, they seek to appoint a Head of Operations to join their leadership team and to lead the entire manufacturing function.

The Head of Operations will direct overall daily operations at Company manufacturing facilities, ensuring production is delivered on-time to full global regulatory compliance and that operational efficiency improvement targets are set and attained including OEE and downtime tracking. They will lead and develop their teams to ensure cross-functionality, high performance and key skill retention and will champion best practice processes, teamwork, accountability and urgency across all levels of the company. This role will work closely with the Business Development Team, developing appropriate processes for capacity planning and sustaining senior customer relationships through direct interaction, responsiveness and accountability. They will manage and develop process flow in the creations of SKUs and bills of material, ensuring effective stage-gating of new product introductions and timing revisions to existing bills from change programmes. They will own the full Value Stream from cradle to grave, ensuring efficient use of resources and effective process flows to satisfy all stakeholder needs. This is a senior leadership role, and the Head of Operations will prepare strategic communications in line with Company business strategy or issues, develop and update consistent relevant content for executive level communications and lead on wider Company projects to further organisational goals.

Applicants will possess the following skills and attributes:

• Significant operations leadership experience in a chemical manufacturing, pharmaceutical, medical device, food manufacturing or other highly regulated environment.
• A strong operations background with progressive management experience in leading production, supply chain or engineering teams.
• Proven leadership skills based on integrity, empathy, empowering and inspiring others to achieve beyond their limits.
• Expert knowledge of the operational process, standard operating procedures and good manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully work with and influence contract manufacturing partners while building a positive working relationship.
• Strong working knowledge of planning, material management, forecast planning, material control and good distribution practices.
• Proven experience in stakeholder management with the ability to collaborate effectively, manage deliverables and achieve timelines across a matrix organisation.
• Previous experience of working with a brownfield site or new factory set up is desirable but not essential.
• A third level qualification in manufacturing, engineering or a science-related discipline.

This appointment would suit a career-driven, seasoned operations leader from a regulated environment who would relish the opportunity to further grow capability within an already successful business. Please contact Ruth McDonald for a confidential discussion.