Optimum RX Lens Specialists is an independent ophthalmic manufacturing company offering a wide range of award-winning lenses and coatings, including hard coatings, anti-reflection coatings, mirror coatings, and lens tinting. We specialize in manufacturing prescription Rx lenses, including complex and specialty options, and our own range of free-form lenses. Utilizing state-of-the‑art technology and advanced processes, we are committed to delivering consistent, high‑quality products and services to opticians and optical laboratories both in the UK and globally. We pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service alongside competitive pricing, supported by efficient online ordering and tracked express delivery options for enhanced convenience. We’re growing. We’re evolving. We’re expanding our leadership team at Optimum. Role Purpose The Head of Operations is a senior role within the Optimum Leadership team, reporting to the Managing Director. This People Focused role is accountable for the performance and scalability of our employee‑owned operation. The role is primarily responsible for delivering operational excellence - driving change, optimising production processes, material flows and LMS & IT systems – supporting growth while building a resilient, agile and future‑ready operations team. With clear ownership of process efficiency, project delivery, and resource management, the Head of Operations ensures the business runs safely and smoothly, working closely with Quality, HR and SHE managers. Key Accountabilities

Lead all lens manufacturing operations, from Order Entry, Surfacing and Coating through to Tinting, Glazing and Final Product Dispatch. Own end-to-end material flow, inbound supplies and outbound logistics; including raw materials, WIP and finished goods. Balance daily delivery performance with longer‑term capacity, on‑time delivery and cost of quality improvements. Ensuring operations are stable, scalable, sustainable and aligned to customer demand.

Key Dimensions

Team: Direct management of 3 managers; 5 Team Leaders and 40 Operators. Budgetary responsibilities: Ownership of the operations budget, ensuring cost‑effective and financial prudence. Decision‑Making Level: A member of the Senior Leadership Team with high‑level decision‑making expectations in operational matters, reporting directly to the Managing Director. Key Contacts: Regular interaction with all key stakeholders, both internal and external, including suppliers and third‑party service providers. Cultivate and maintain strong relationships to support operational objectives.

Leadership, People & Ownership Culture

Lead, develop, and inspire a high‑performing operations leadership team. Setting clear expectations, accountability, and development pathways, working closely with HR. Promote an employee‑owned mindset; ownership, collaboration, and pride in outcomes. Ensure workforce planning supports both current and future needs.

Commercial, Strategic & Senior Leadership Level Contribution

Own the operations budget and deliver agreed cost, productivity, and investment targets. Partner with Commercial and Finance teams to support growth and margin. Translate business strategy into clear, executable operational plans. Provide confident operational input at multiple stakeholder levels including internal and external including suppliers, management team, senior leadership and board level to build strong and positive working relationships.

Quality, Safety, Compliance & ISO Standards

Hold senior accountability for product quality, safety, process control, regulatory compliance and risk management. Maintain and continuously improve the ISO 9001 quality management system. Ensure audit readiness and embed industry best practice quality standards into everyday operations.

Facilities, Maintenance & Asset Care

Oversee facilities management, maintenance strategy, and asset management. Ensure planned and preventative maintenance supports uptime, safety, and quality. Lead decisions relating to capital investment, infrastructure, and layout changes.

IT Systems & Operational Infrastructure

Oversee operational IT systems supporting production, planning, quality, and reporting. Ensure data accuracy, visibility, and use in decision‑making. Identify and implement system improvements that enhance efficiency and control. Lead operational projects, including process redesign and optimisation, layout changes, sustainability initiatives, equipment implementation and relevant training. Apply structured project management disciplines to deliver results with minimal disruption. Drive continuous improvement using lean or equivalent methodologies. Lead and embed change in a sustainable, people‑led way.

Experience & Background

Demonstrable experience operating at business director level within an operations or manufacturing environment. Proven leadership of complex change programmes and end‑to‑end project management delivery. Direct accountability for material flow, including inbound and outbound operations. Strong experience across manufacturing operations, facilities, maintenance, and operational IT systems. Working knowledge of ISO 9001, Lean / Six Sigma methodologies, and regulated operating environments. Commercially astute, with a track record of improving operational performance at scale. Potential for annual bonus linked to business and operational performance The opportunity to play a key leadership role in a growing, employee‑owned manufacturing business

Please note this is a full time, on‑site role at our Morecambe lab. If you’re an experienced operational leader ready to make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you. #J-18808-Ljbffr