How would you like to lead a once-in-a-generation build of a world-class machining facility right here in the heart of Sheffield?
At Sheffield Forgemasters we are building more than just a machine shop, we’re creating a state-of-the-art hub for precision engineering that will play a key part in the UK manufacturing and defence capability for the future.
Our new machining facility, supported by the £1.3bn investment from the MoD, will increase our current 64-acre footprint by another 16 acres and will house large-scale, modern machinery that utilises digital connectivity and automation to meet future standards.
This is your chance to be part of this exciting project, as the Head of Operations for our Machine Shops function.
What you’ll be doing
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Lead the transition to, and subsequently manage the new Machine Shop facility, whilst maintaining BAU productivity in the interim.
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Oversee and develop production and engineering teams, promoting company values and high performance.
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Ensure strong health & safety practices, driving a zero-harm culture and supporting HS&E initiatives.
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Manage team capability through training, skills planning, and workforce engagement.
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Deliver quality products on time, supporting RCA investigations and continuous improvement actions.
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Control costs and optimise efficiency in line with budget and performance targets.
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Oversee maintenance and effective use of plant and equipment to minimise disruption.
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Manage people, including performance, change, and employee relations.
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Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational performance.
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Maintain accurate systems, records, and data for performance tracking and compliance.
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Ensure product safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental responsibility.
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Identify, assess, and communicate operational risks to support decision-making.
About You
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Exceptional leadership and demonstrable people management ability.
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Experience working in the Steel, Metals, Aerospace, Automotive, or Defence sectors.
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Previous experience working in a Head of Operations or Operational Lead role, with a strong understanding of manufacturing processes and shop floor operations.
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A strong understanding of Industry 4.0 principles, including the use of digital technologies, data-driven insights, and automation to improve manufacturing efficiency and performance.
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Strong financial awareness, including cost and budget management.
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Skilled in capacity planning, risk management, and performance optimisation.
As well as having the skills, knowledge and experience for this role, we are also looking for someone who embodies our core values: Customer Focus; Working Together; Trust & Respect; Quality & Innovation and Safety & Wellbeing.
Why Sheffield Forgemasters?
Sheffield Forgemasters is an iconic steel production and engineering company, with a history that can be traced back to the 1750s, starting life as a small blacksmith forge. We have since gone through many evolutions and gone by several different names and guises, whilst consistently being at the forefront of innovation and new process development in the steel industry.
Recognising Sheffield Forgemasters as a global leader in the designing, manufacturing and delivering of world-class steel forgings and castings, we were acquired by the UK Ministry of Defence in 2021. The acquisition has secured our role as a critical supplier to the next generation of UK defence programmes. As part of this programme of work, £1.3bn is being invested in modernising our plant and equipment, creating new opportunities for the business and our colleagues.
What We Offer
- Stability, with large-scale & long-term investment and orders already secured into the 2040s.
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A programme of redevelopment that will include state-of-the-art new machinery and facilities on site.
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All Employee Bonus Scheme, up to £1000 paid annually, dependent on company performance.
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Up to 9% employer pension contribution.
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Life Assurance Scheme, paying 4 x annual salary.
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Onsite canteen.
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Free onsite parking and available EV chargers.
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Multi-Faith Room.
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Long service award scheme.
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Free Sheffield Forgemasters branded coat upon joining, with other branded workwear available to purchase online.
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You at Work – Access to online discounts portal.
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Employee Assistance Programme.
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Cycle to Work scheme.
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Discounted Westfield Health Plan Scheme.
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Onsite Occupational Health Team, providing health screening and wellbeing initiatives and support, including but not limited to:
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Availability to confidentially discuss any physical or mental health concerns.
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Referrals and access to free Physiotherapy and Chiropractor sessions, when required.
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Ear irrigation.
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Flu Vaccinations.
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Blood Pressure management clinics.
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Weight management clinics.
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Occupational Health checks in line with health promotion and wellbeing events. e.g. Cholesterol, Blood sugar, Icle tests, etc.
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Health promotion campaigns, utilising outside companies / charities, such as Andy’s Man Club.
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Access to Zest Fit – Lifestyle Coach.
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Skills for life sessions offered to all, including CPR, managing bleeds, burns etc.
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Financial Wellbeing Sessions – Pension providers coming on site to talk to colleagues and offering advice.
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Chaplain Service.
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Support for ex-military and reservists in employment as a bronze accredited participant in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
Equality and Diversity
Our people are at the heart of everything we do at Sheffield Forgemasters. It’s vital that our workforce reflects the diversity of both our local catchment area and the wider society in the UK, so we’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer and we actively seek candidates from diverse backgrounds and communities.
Flexible Working
We recognise the importance of work-life balance and are open to discussing flexible working arrangements that align with our policies. Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office-based and remote working. Applicants can request further information regarding the policy and how this may work in their role, from our People & Culture Team and / or the line manager for the applicable role.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. People working with government / MOD assets must complete Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks.
Nationality limitations
Please be aware that many roles at Sheffield Forgemasters are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 - 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.
For additional information or if you would like to discuss working for Sheffield Forgemasters or a specific role in more detail, please email [email protected] .
The Company has experienced unprecedented growth over the past few years. We have a vast number of employees, and provide support to clients from all over the country.
