Head of OperationsWidnes, CheshireFull-Time | Senior Leadership Role£80,000 – £100,000 + Profit Share + BenefitsThe OpportunityI’m recruiting exclusively on behalf of a rapidly scaling UK-based group operating across marine, onsite and wholesale distribution, currently turning over £9.5–£10m with a clearly defined ambition to reach £40m by 2030.This is a critical, newly created leadership role designed to bring operational rigour, structure and scalability into the business. The organisation is commercially strong, sales-led and entrepreneurial — what’s needed now is a senior operational leader who can strip back, rebuild and future-proof operations without disrupting momentum.You will operate as a standalone operational silo, Initially reporting to the commercial director, with full autonomy to design systems, set KPIs and drive delivery across production, warehousing, logistics and international supply chains.This role is not about maintaining the status quo — it’s about doing the extraordinary.Key Objectives (12–24 month horizon)Scale operational capability in line with aggressive growth plansImprove DIFOT performance from 91% to 96%+, with international shipments targeted at 100%Reduce project lead times to 2 weeksImplement scalable systems across manufacturers, warehouses and logisticsStrengthen the relationship between sales and operationsCreate structure without slowing the business downWhat You’ll Be Accountable ForOperational LeadershipEnd-to-end ownership of operations across UK and international sitesOversight of multiple warehouses (including Europe) and subcontract manufacturersDirect management of warehouse leadership and operational teamsProduction & Supply ChainManaging 3–4 key manufacturing partners (with 10–12 factory-based personnel)Production planning, forecasting and component controlJIT / Lean principles where appropriateOversight of technical specification checks (technical team to transfer into role)Logistics, Customs & ComplianceFull responsibility for import/export operations and international delivery systemsCustoms documentation, commercial invoices and shipment controlISO, H&S and project delivery complianceSystems & Process ImprovementStrip back legacy processes and rebuild scalable, joined-up systemsERP / supply chain system optimisationStock control, purchasing, dispatch and delivery performanceKPI setting, reporting and accountability frameworksThis is a hands-on leadership role — you will be expected to roll your sleeves up where required while still operating at a strategic level.The Profile That Will SucceedThis role will suit someone who is:Humble, hungry and smart — no ego, high accountabilitySolutions-focused, pragmatic and resilientCustomer-focused mindset that is willing to do the extraordinaryComfortable challenging the norm and “taking the bull by the horns”Calm under pressure with ability to work with other colleagues to demanding deadlinesCommercially aware and deeply operationally credibleExperience & CapabilitySenior operations leadership within manufacturing, wholesale or distributionStrong background in metalwork / engineering / manufacturing environmentsProven experience managing subcontract manufacturersDeep understanding of import/export, customs and international logisticsTrack record of scaling operations in fast-growth businessesSystems-led, data-driven and IT savvy (Excel competence beneficial)You won’t be fazed by complexity, ambiguity or hard work — you’ll thrive on it.What’s on Offer£80,000 – £100,000 base salary (DOE)Profit share bonusCompany vehiclePrivate medical insuranceLaptop and phone25 days holiday + bank holidaysOn-site parkingAutonomy, influence and genuine board-level exposureThe opportunity to architect operations in a business with serious growth ambitionWorking PatternCore hours: 7:30am – 5:00pmFlexibility required to meet operational demands #J-18808-Ljbffr