Job Description

Head of Manufacturing Operations -

Location:

Coventry

Reporting to:

Engineering Director

Business Sector:

CTO Function

Duration:

Permanent

Role Overview

The Head of Manufacturing Operations plays a pivotal role in ensuring that manufacturing processes are efficient, cost-effective, and aligned with strategic business goals. This role spans day-to-day operational leadership, strategic planning, project delivery, and acting as the primary operational point of contact for key stakeholders across the Business Units (Civil and Defence), Technology partners (such as Automation, Additive Manufacturing etc) and wider MTC operations functions Quality and Supply Chain. The postholder will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team to shape and execute operational strategy to deliver Engineering Excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Organisational Design

Owns the vision and strategy for manufacturing operations, shaping organisational design and culture in line with MTC values. Is a key integrator within a matrixed organisation working with partners in Technology and Industrial Sectors to deliver operational objectives. Lead and develop high-performing teams, fostering trust and a people-focused culture. Delivery of appropriate system and practices that are flexible and robust to continuously deliver high performance.


Operational Management

Oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations across one or more sites inclusive of: On Time Delivery, Right First Time, budget performance, equipment utilisation, revenue generation, cost management, etc. Manage low-volume, high-complexity manufacturing environments (e.g., pilot lines, test rigs, labs). Ensure efficient utilisation of advanced equipment and facilities (e.g., additive manufacturing, robotics, clean rooms). Oversee scheduling and resource allocation for concurrent research projects integrating with space allocation.


Quality, Safety & Compliance

Maintain high standards of quality assurance suitable for experimental and regulated environments. Accountable for adherence to Health & Safety standards, ISO, and research-specific standards (e.g., GLP, GMP if applicable). Lead risk assessments and safety audits for novel processes and materials. Manage operational and maintenance budgets, including facility, maintenance, running costs, and consumables. Facilitate operational readiness for new projects, defining resource requirements, operational processes, and delivery schedules.


Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

Act as senior point of contact for internal and external customers, representing MTC in discussions and negotiations. Promote MTC capabilities to customers, actively seeking additional opportunities and ensuring high-quality service delivery.


Team Leadership & Development

Foster a culture of empowerment and insatiable curiosity within the manufacturing team including apprentices, technicians, engineers, manufacturing engineers and operations leaders. Provide leadership, resource management, and troubleshooting support to senior staff. Ensure all staff are equipped with required skills, motivation, and reputation, working closely with Resource Managers and functional teams (MTC Operations).


General Duties

Deliver robust systems and practices to continuously achieve high performance Accountable for the highest standards of housekeeping and 5s that ensures MTC is a flagship for UK manufacturing and to convey Excellence in Engineering in what is often a frequently changing physical estate. Support strategic planning activities and technology roadmaps. Foster collaboration with research partners and industry members. Engage in training programmes and regular appraisals of direct reports. Maintain confidentiality and observe equality and diversity policies.

Person Specification

Education

Degree and/or Masters level in an appropriate discipline. Membership of a relevant professional institution.


Experience

Substantial experience in management within Engineering or Manufacturing, focused on operations management. Experience in matrix management and collaborative project delivery. Demonstrable commercial skills and acumen. Preferably with strategic planning experience.


Skills & Abilities

Proven track record in leading operational functions and teams. Understanding of high-value manufacturing processes and systems. Strong commercial and financial awareness. Excellent communication, numeracy, and literacy skills. High level of personal integrity and attention to detail. Empathetic management style and commitment to confidentiality.


Other Requirements

Willingness to travel and valid driving licence. Enhanced security clearance (to be sponsored by MTC). Understanding of international manufacturing trends and networks.

Background Screening

All colleagues will be required to undergo a level of clearance as part of the vetting process.


The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) was established in 2010 as an independent Research & Technology Organisation (RTO) with the objective of bridging the gap between academia and industry - often referred to as 'the valley of death'.


It represents one of the largest public sector investments in UK manufacturing and, after four years of planning and a 16 month build, the facility opened at Ansty Park in Coventry at the end of 2011.


In December 2011, there were 16 industrial members, 44 staff and just a few key pieces of equipment in the 'workshop'.


Over the following seven years the MTC's rapid growth has seen the expansion of our campus with the construction of three more facilities, including the opening of the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre and the National Centre for Additive Manufacturing.


Our role has also increased to cover not only R&D but also Training, Advanced Manufacturing Management and Factory Design.


We now have over 700 talented employees working with us.


During this time we have helped hundreds of companies across a range of industries and over 100 of them have become members of the MTC.