IMI plc
We are a global specialist engineering company that creates breakthrough solutions. We are curious and like to solve problems, partnering with our customers to solve the demands of today and prepare for the challenges of tomorrow. We embrace innovation and care about outcomes that are good for business, everyday life and making a better world – creating lasting impact for everyone.

We design, build and service highly engineered products in fluid and motion control applications. We focus on five market sectors: Industrial Automation, Process Automation, Climate Control, Life Science and Fluid Control, and Transport.

Head of Operations / Head of Production

Poole, UK | Base Salary up to £100,000 + Bonus + Benefits

Role Overview

Shape the Future of a High-Performance Manufacturing Operation

IMI is seeking an accomplished manufacturing leader to join our Poole site as Head of Production, a highly visible leadership role reporting directly to the Site Lead.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a senior operations professional to influence the performance, culture, and future direction of a complex manufacturing operation serving demanding global customers. You will lead a multi-disciplinary organization spanning Production, Purchasing, Planning, Continuous Improvement and Dispatch, working closely with Engineering and Quality leaders to deliver world-class operational performance.

Beyond day-to-day execution, this role offers the opportunity to drive transformational change, accelerate continuous improvement initiatives, and shape the long-term manufacturing strategy of a business renowned for its engineering excellence.

For the right individual, we are offering a highly competitive package, including a base salary of up to £100,000, performance bonus, and comprehensive benefits.

Key Responsibilities

As a key member of the site leadership team, you will:

Provide strategic and operational leadership across Manufacturing, Purchasing, Planning, - Continuous Improvement and Dispatch functions.
Build, develop and inspire high-performing teams through coaching, mentoring, succession planning and performance management.
Ensure manufacturing capacity, resources and operational priorities align with customer demand and business objectives.
Drive productivity, quality, delivery and cost performance through the implementation of lean and continuous improvement methodologies.
Lead operational excellence initiatives, creating a culture of accountability, engagement and continuous improvement.
Champion modern manufacturing practices and best-in-class operational standards.
Collaborate closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, HR and Finance teams to deliver sustainable business results.
Play a leading role in new product introduction, process optimization and operational transformation projects.
Ensure the effective use of ERP/MRP systems to support business planning and decision-making.
Lead employee engagement and people development activities while maintaining a strong focus on health, safety and compliance.

Critical Competencies for Success

We are interested in speaking with experienced manufacturing leaders who can demonstrate:

Proven success leading complex manufacturing operations within an engineering, industrial or technical environment.
Extensive experience in a senior operations, production, manufacturing or plant leadership role.
Strong track record of delivering measurable improvements in productivity, quality, cost, delivery and employee engagement.
Experience managing multi-functional teams across production, supply chain, planning and continuous improvement.
Deep understanding of lean manufacturing, operational excellence and business transformation.
Strong commercial awareness and the ability to balance customer requirements, operational performance and business objectives.
Exceptional leadership and influencing skills with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
Experience supporting highly regulated or technically demanding manufacturing environments.
Degree qualification in Engineering or a related discipline; Chartered status or postgraduate qualifications would be advantageous.

Desirable Competencies

Knowledge and exposure to world class manufacturing methodologies such as Lean and Six Sigma

Why Join IMI?

Opportunity to lead a critical manufacturing operation within a global engineering business.
Significant autonomy and influence as part of the site leadership team.
Ability to drive meaningful transformation and operational excellence initiatives.
Exposure to complex manufacturing challenges and highly engineered products.
Attractive remuneration package with base salary up to £100,000, bonus opportunity and comprehensive benefits.
 

If you are a results-driven manufacturing leader looking for an opportunity where you can make a tangible impact, influence strategy, and lead a high-performing operation through its next phase of growth and improvement, we'd be delighted to hear from you.

IMI is an inclusive employer; diversity is very important to us, and we want to receive applications from people from all backgrounds