Head of Operations

The Head of Operations is responsible for the full operational performance of Toly's manufacturing plant, overseeing the core functions that enable efficient, safe, and high-quality production. This includes production planning, production operations, purchasing, supply chain, and logistics.

A key priority for this role is to champion the digitalization of operational processes and play a central role in the successful implementation and integration of the new ERP system, ensuring data accuracy, process optimization, and seamless adoption across the plant.

Working closely with the Managing Director and in partnership with the independent Quality function, the Head of Operations ensures the plant delivers strong performance, meets customer expectations, and supports group strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Performance

• Lead daily operations across production planning, production, purchasing, supply chain, and logistics.
• Ensure operational stability and maximize efficiency, productivity, and on-time delivery performance.
• Oversee capacity planning, materials coordination, production flow, and inventory management.
• Monitor OKRs including safety, output, efficiency, waste, OTIF (On Time In Full), and cost control.
• Maintain full compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards.

Digitalization & ERP Integration

• Lead and champion the digitalization of plant processes, identifying opportunities to streamline workflows, reduce manual tasks, and improve data visibility.
• Act as a key member of the ERP project team, ensuring operational requirements are reflected in system design and implementation.
• Drive ERP adoption across all operational areas, ensuring teams understand new processes and use the system effectively.
• Ensure accurate operational data, system reliability, and alignment between digital processes and real-world execution.
• Support change management efforts and training to facilitate smooth ERP integration.

People Leadership & Culture

• Lead and develop a multi-functional operations team, promoting a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Strengthen communication across functions to ensure alignment and transparency.
• Provide coaching and development to managers and supervisors to build technical and leadership capability.
• Foster a strong safety culture and operational discipline.

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Drive Lean and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and simplify processes.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement solutions that improve throughput and operational flow.
• Promote structured problem solving, root-cause analysis, and data-driven decision-making.
• Support automation and technology adoption in line with Toly's broader strategic agenda.

Supply Chain, Purchasing & Logistics

• Ensure robust supply chain planning and coordination to support production continuity and material availability.
• Oversee purchasing to maintain supplier performance, cost control, and inventory optimization.
• Optimize logistics, warehousing, shipping, and inventory accuracy to improve flow and reduce operational cost.
• Strengthen supplier relationships and drive continuous improvement across the supply chain.

Collaboration with Quality (Separate Function)

• Work closely with Quality leadership to ensure operations support group quality standards and customer specifications.
• Support alignment between production and quality to improve first-pass yield, reduce defects, and strengthen process control.
• Participate in audits, customer visits, and compliance initiatives as required.

Cost Management & Budget Control

• Manage operational budgets effectively, ensuring efficient use of labour, materials, and resources.
• Identify and deliver cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or safety.
• Maintain transparency on operational costs and ensure financial discipline across departments.

Strategic Contribution

• Support the Managing Director in shaping the plant's operational strategy and long-term development roadmap.
• Contribute to investment planning, layout optimization, digitalization initiatives, and process upgrades.
• Ensure operational readiness for new customer requirements and product introductions.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or related field (Master's preferred).
• 10+ years' experience in manufacturing operations with multi-functional leadership responsibility.
• Demonstrated experience with ERP systems, digital transformation, and process digitalization in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of production, supply chain, logistics, and purchasing.
• Expertise in Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement practices.
• Proven ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams.
• Strong problem-solving capabilities, analytical skills, and operational judgement.
• Excellent communication skills and a strong change leadership mindset.

Key Competencies

• Leadership & People Development
• Digital & ERP Implementation Capability
• Operational Strategy & Execution
• Supply Chain & Planning Expertise
• Lean & Continuous Improvement Focus
• Collaboration & Influence
• Financial & Cost Awareness
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Change Management & Adaptability