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Ultra I&C's Communications business is recruiting for a Head of Operations, to lead and develop all operational functions across manufacturing, supply chain, and production support within a low-volume, high-value engineering environment.

To lead and develop all operational functions across manufacturing, supply chain, and production support within a low-volume, high-value engineering environment.
The Head of Operations will ensure that safety, quality, delivery and cost metrics are achieved through effective leadership, robust processes, and a culture of continuous improvement.

Based: Tring, Hertfordshire

Key Responsibilities:

* Provide strategic and day-to-day leadership to Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Logistics teams.

* Own and deliver operational KPIs across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Improvements (SQDCI).

* Drive Lean and 6S principles across all areas to deliver measurable improvements in efficiency, waste reduction, and on-time delivery.

* Manage production within a multi-disciplined manufacturing environment including CNC machining, PCB Assembly, Wiring and advanced Mechanical Assembly environment, ensuring strong collaboration between Engineering, Planning, Quality and Purchasing.

* Lead capacity planning, production scheduling, and materials management to meet customer commitments and future demand.

* Champion Health & Safety standards, ensuring compliance with legal, corporate, and ISO management system requirements.

* Lead supply-chain optimisation through strategic sourcing, supplier development, and risk management.

* Support new product introduction (NPI) and R&D programmes, ensuring smooth industrialisation from prototype to production.

* Mentor, coach, and develop team leaders and operators in line with personal development plans and skills matrices.

* Partner with engineering design, procurement, and finance to support business planning, cost reduction initiatives, and margin improvement.

* Drive effective change management through a structured ECR/ECN process, ensuring that changes are prioritised, implemented, and communicated in line with operational and customer demands.

* Ensure robust problem-solving and root cause analysis processes (8D, DMAIC) are embedded across operations.

* Drive a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement across all manufacturing operations.

* Join bid team as functional lead, to support major bids where required.

* Own systems for providing accurate product cost and stock valuation

Required Skills and Experience:

Proven leadership experience in operations management within precision engineering, defence, aerospace, or similar low-volume/high-complexity manufacturing.

Demonstrated background in precision manufacturing and electronic assembly, including experience with CNC machining, PCB Assembly, and build-to-print processes in line with RoHS and IPC-A-610 quality standards.

Recognised engineering apprenticeship and/or HNC/HND/Degree in an engineering discipline.

Strong understanding of Lean manufacturing, 6S, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Excellent working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems, capacity planning, and scheduling.

Demonstrated success in supplier development, quality improvement, and cost reduction.

Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills; able to engage, motivate, and develop cross-functional teams.

Strong analytical mindset with a data-driven approach to performance management.

High level of Health & Safety awareness with experience implementing safe systems of work.

Desirable Experience:

Exposure to carbon fibre composite manufacture, electronic assembly, or RF/waveguide fabrication.

Knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 / AS9100 quality management systems.

Experience collaborating with Engineering and R&D teams to industrialise new designs.

Project management experience within a multi-disciplinary engineering business.

Key Attributes:

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Results-driven, pragmatic, and hands-on leadership style.

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Confident communicator at all levels of the business.

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Proactive, solution-focused, and commercially aware.

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Committed to operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Notice

Due to the nature of the programs we deliver for our customers, candidates may need to obtain the relevant security clearance or handle export-controlled material as defined by the role's requirements.

At Ultra I&C, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our commitment is to uphold respect, dignity, and fairness for all employees and applicants in compliance with all applicable laws. Guided by our core values, we foster a workplace supports each individual in reaching their full potential.

We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as defined by applicable law. Flexible working arrangements may be considered based on business needs