Head of Operations (Manufacturing)

Northern Ireland Water Limited; Belfast; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing business is seeking a Head of Operations to drive operational excellence and lead Lean transformation initiatives. In this pivotal role, you will ensure a strong health & safety culture, develop future leaders, and align operational strategy with business growth. The ideal candidate will be a proven operational leader with experience in manufacturing, dedicated to continuous improvement and team development. This position offers significant influence and the opportunity to make a lasting impact within a growing company.

Benefits

Structured onboarding and transition plan

Opportunity for meaningful transformation

Supportive culture with senior-level backing

Qualifications

• Proven operational leader from a manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading Lean change and improving operational performance.
• Ability to influence at all levels within the organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead and embed a strong health & safety culture.
• Drive Lean transformation and continuous improvement.
• Set and execute operational strategy aligned to business growth.
• Develop and coach operational leaders.
• Own operational performance, asset reliability, and quality compliance.
• Ensure operational excellence across all departments.

Skills

Operational leadership

Lean transformation

Health & safety culture

Performance improvement

Team development

Job description

MCS Group is delighted to be recruiting a Head of Operations for a highly successful manufacturing business with ambitious growth plans and a strong commitment to innovation and operational excellence

This is a leadership role where you will shape the future of operations, lead a company-wide Lean transformation, and embed a culture of safety, engagement, and continuous improvement across the organisation.

The Opportunity

As Head of Operations, you will take strategic and hands‑on ownership of core operational functions, leading a high‑performing management team across production, health & safety, maintenance, and quality. You will play a central role in driving performance, developing future leaders, and ensuring the business is well positioned to scale sustainably.

This role offers real influence, visibility at senior leadership level, and the opportunity to leave a lasting operational impact.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

• Leading and embedding a strong health & safety culture
• Driving Lean transformation and continuous improvement
• Setting and executing operational strategy aligned to business growth
• Developing and coaching operational leaders
• Owning operational performance, asset reliability, and quality compliance
• Ensuring operational excellence across all departments

About You

You are a proven operational leader from a manufacturing environment who thrives on being visible on the factory floor as well as at the strategy table. You have successfully led Lean change, improved performance across safety, quality, cost, and delivery, and are passionate about developing people and building engaged teams.

You bring credibility, structure, and energy to complex operational challenges, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organisation.

Experience with capital investment or externally funded growth initiatives would be an advantage.

Why Join?

• Join a growing, ambitious manufacturing business, with an excellent culture
• Play a key role in shaping the future of operations
• Lead meaningful transformation with senior‑level backing
• Benefit from a structured onboarding and transition plan
• Make a genuine impact in a values‑driven organisation

To speak in absolute confidence about this opportunity please send an up to date CV via the link provided or contact Kirsty Dillon Specialist Consultant at MCS Group 028 9693 5510

Even if this position is not right for you, we may have others that are. Please visit MCS Group to view a wide selection of our current jobs www.mcsgroup.jobs

MCS Group is committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion for all, being the first recruitment agency in NI to achieve Bronze Diversity Mark accreditation, if you have a disability which means you require a reasonable adjustment to be considered at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us and we will endeavour to facilitate the request.