Head of Operations

Reference: 4829816Job ID: 5415373Posted: 2026-09-17Closing date: 2026-12-16Location: DoncasterSalary: 65000 - 85000 (per annum)Job type: PermanentWorking pattern: Full timeIndustry: Manufacturing & Production / Office and Administration ManagementCompany: HaysConsultant: Sam CooperHays office: Sheffield — Floor 2, Fountain Precinct, Balm GreenPhone: 07731812518Email: samantha.cooper@hays.comHead of OperationsDoncaster | Full Time | Family-Owned Business | Multi-Site ResponsibilityLead People. Drive Performance. Shape the Future.Are you an experienced operational leader who thrives on developing people, improving performance and building strong, high-performing teams?Our client is a successful and growing family-owned business with ambitious plans for the future.

With a strong reputation, loyal customer base and a commitment to continuous improvement, they are seeking a Head of Operations to lead their operational teams and play a key role in the next stage of their growth journey.This is a fantastic opportunity for a hands-on leader who can inspire others, challenge the status quo, and create an environment where people perform at their best.The RoleReporting into the Directors, the Head of Operations will take overall responsibility for operational performance across the business, ensuring that people, processes and resources are aligned to support sustainable growth.This role is centred around leadership, team development and operational excellence. You will work closely with managers and team leaders across multiple functions, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.As a key member of the senior leadership team, you will help shape the future direction of the business while ensuring day-to-day operations run efficiently and effectively.Key ResponsibilitiesLead, coach and develop an operational team of 10 (and growing) across the business.Build a positive, high-performance culture focused on teamwork, accountability and customer service.Develop future leaders through mentoring, coaching and succession planning.Drive operational efficiency and continuous improvement initiatives.Create and deliver strategic operational plans aligned to business growth objectives.Monitor operational performance, KPIs and productivity measures.Work collaboratively with production, logistics and customer-facing teams to ensure seamless service delivery.Identify opportunities to improve processes, systems and ways of working.Ensure resources are effectively planned to meet current and future business demands.Support business expansion through strong operational leadership and planning.Drive employee engagement and create an environment where people can thrive.Provide regular operational updates and recommendations to the Directors.About YouWe're looking for a confident and influential leader with a proven track record of leading successful teams within manufacturing, logistics, supply chain or operational environments.You will be a natural people leader who enjoys developing talent, improving performance and making a genuine impact on business success.Essential ExperienceSenior operational leadership experience.Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams.Strong background within manufacturing, logistics, supply chain or operational environments.Experience managing change and driving continuous improvement initiatives.Track record of improving operational performance and business efficiency.Strong commercial awareness and business acumen.Experience working with KPIs, operational data and performance reporting.Ability to influence and build relationships at all levels.Desirable ExperienceMulti-site operational leadership experience.Experience within a family-owned or owner-managed business.Knowledge of Lean, Continuous Improvement or Operational Excellence methodologies.Experience supporting business growth and expansion projects.Personal QualitiesInspirational and highly visible leader.Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.Resilient, adaptable and solutions-focused.Strong emotional intelligence.Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach.Passionate about people development.Committed to continuous improvement.Able to balance long-term planning with day-to-day operational priorities.What's on Offer?Opportunity to join a successful and growing family business.Key leadership role with genuine influence on business direction.Chance to build, develop and shape high-performing teams.Supportive and collaborative culture.If you're a people-focused operational leader looking to make a lasting impact within a growing family business, we'd love to hear from you.What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. #4829816 - Sam Cooper