Head of Operations

About the role

SF Partners is seeking a transformational Head of Operations to drive operational excellence across a manufacturing and engineering business. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience from a high‑performing third‑party logistics (3PL) or supply‑chain environment and apply those disciplines to a manufacturing setting.

Key responsibilities

• Lead day‑to‑day performance of manufacturing and production functions.
• Develop and implement an operational excellence strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Establish clear performance measures and KPI frameworks across all operational areas.
• Ensure production capacity, resources and processes meet customer demand.
• Drive consistency through standardised processes, governance and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Champion Lean manufacturing and logistics best practices to boost productivity, quality and customer outcomes.

Required profile

• Significant operational leadership experience in a high‑performance 3PL, logistics, distribution or manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record of implementing operational excellence and continuous improvement programmes.
• Strong understanding of Lean methodologies, process optimisation and performance management.
• Experience leading operational transformation and cultural change.
• Ability to improve productivity, service levels and efficiency through data‑led decision making.
• Commercial awareness with a focus on balancing cost, quality and customer outcomes.
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.

Required skills