Head of Manufacturing Operations role – Chelmsford, Essex

by Louise Searley. Director. Searley Owen

Head of Manufacturing Operations
Chelmsford, Essex
£100,000 – £120,000 + benefits
We’re partnering with a well-established, growing manufacturing business looking to appoint a Head of Manufacturing Operations to lead across UK and US sites.
This is a senior leadership role with real scope, overseeing multiple functions including production, quality, engineering, purchasing and driving performance across the wider operation.
If you’re someone who thrives when bringing teams together, improving processes, and driving meaningful change, this is an opportunity to make a genuine impact.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing and operational performance across UK and US sites
• Oversee key functions including production, quality, engineering and purchasing
• Drive continuous improvement and operational efficiency across the business
• Take ownership of supplier management and strategy, working with a global supply
  base
• Lead change and transformation initiatives across the operation
• Ensure quality, compliance and performance standards are consistently met
• Develop and lead cross-functional teams, creating alignment and accountability
• Oversee facilities and plant operations, ensuring reliability and long-term capability
• Collaborate with international teams

Key Skills & Experience

• Proven leadership experience within manufacturing / operations
• Experience overseeing multiple departments at a senior level
• Strong background in supplier management and supplier strategy
• Experience leading change, transformation and continuous improvement
• Comfortable operating at a strategic level
• Experience within complex or high-spec manufacturing environments
• Strong stakeholder management and commercial awareness

Benefits & Key Details

• £100,000 – £120,000 basic salary
• Solid benefits package which includes Private healthcare, very good Pension scheme, Life assurance and more
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Internation travel, usually twice per year for 1-2 weeks
• Free secure onsite parking
• Opportunity to lead at scale across international operations
• Real scope to drive change and improve performance
• Broad role with ownership across multiple key functions
• Join a business with strong foundations and future growth plans

For more information contact:

Louise Searley louise@searleyowen.com Tel: 01245 950300