Head of Operations

Head of Operations 
Permanent role
Circa 70k
Bedfordshire
                                    
Our distribution client is seeking a new Head of Operations to report to their Operations & Supply Chain Director. We are seeking someone with a track record of clear man management regarding individuals and teams and with experience in an Operations Management related role within a fast-paced Lean manufacturing environment. 

Role and Responsibilities 
Job Purpose: 

•    Create and drive projects to deliver against company’s operational strategic goals.
•    Provide operational leadership and management to achieve key objectives in safety, quality, environmental compliance, production, and cost, in support of our global customer base. 
•    Lead the Operations team in a fast-paced high energy environment and demonstrate a sense of urgency, taking accountability for all demands of the section. 
•    Be responsible for dealing with escalations in a timely manner.
•    Develop, coach and mentor Team Leaders/Cell Coordinators to deliver products against plan within a lean operations environment.
•    Deliver the planned departmental metrics, identify future capacity requirements and take full ownership to find resolution.

Accountabilities for role include: 
•    Safety & Housekeeping - Ensure the warehouse area runs safely, as safety is a priority within the business. 
•    Continue to drive a culture change within the warehouse towards Operational Excellence (Lean).
•    Continuous Improvement / Kaizen.
•    Ensure an effective management of the warehouse environment is delivered.
•    Review, develop and coach Team Leaders, and support development of Cell Coordinators.
•    Challenge the existing KPI’s and develop new KPI’s.
•    Clearly set and manage expectations for all reports.
•    Meet established warehouse and departmental goals and objectives.
•    Inbound and outbound logistics, including freight, transport, and collections.
•    Work with Operational Management to consider Strategic direction for operations.
•    Oversee the training, development, appraisal support of all applicable operations personnel. 
•    Monitor and manage quality through all operational processes.
•    Present value stream at T1, T2, T3 and T4 meetings as necessary.
•    Responsible for identification and project management of programs to enhance output, OTIF, quality, capacity increases / decreases or technical improvements and sustain supply on an agile footing.
•    Lead and be able to raise Capex documentation to support capital development needs specific to warehouse improvements or initiatives both inside operations as necessary.
•    Maintain routine communications with key stakeholders internally.
•    Deliver NPI requirements whilst fulfilling production output.

Customer & Internal Relationships:
•    Develop and maintain effective relationships on all levels across relevant departments of the business including Planning, Engineering, Operations, Shipping, IT, Finance, Supply Chain and HR.
•    Handle ad-hoc demand issues effectively and efficiently.

Candidate Profile 
Required Experience:
•    Track record of clear man management regarding individuals and teams.
•    The successful candidate will have experience in an Operations Management related role within a fast-paced Lean manufacturing environment. 
•    Broad knowledge of the entire Operations Chain with a minimum of 3-5 years distribution experience. 
•    Experience of working closely with business wide functions (such as Sales, Procurement, Finance).
•    Experience in the use of ERP/MES business systems.
•    Proficient in the use of spreadsheets, word processing software and email.
•    Proactive planning capability of capacity and equipment.

Qualifications:
•    Ideally a degree in Operations Management.
•    Lean manufacturing experience / qualification of relevance.

Personal Profile:
•    Effective, efficient, and consistent in approach.
•    Strong people management and coaching skills.
•    Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to communicate with external customers, suppliers, and staff at all levels.
•    Driven, assertive and demonstrates a strong proactive growth mind set.
•    Capable of discussing, owning and assisting with the resolution of complex issues with a structured/data driven, analytical approach.
•    Self-motivated, able to work independently and as part of a team.
•    Thorough attention to detail.
•    Innovative and proactive self-starter.
•    Able to work within a multi-disciplinary team environment.
•    Able to work under pressure.
•    Able to handle multiple tasks methodically and effectively to meet committed timescales.
•    Happy to work in a dynamic environment and adaptable to changes in priorities.
•    Strategic and tactical in planning.

To apply please send an MS formatted version of your CV across for our review and consideration.