Head of Operations

The People Project – Hamilton, North Island Are you an accomplished Operations leader with a passion for innovation and the automotive industry? Wade Group, one of New Zealand’s leading automotive customisation businesses, is searching for a strategic and driven Head of Operations (HOO). The HOO will be responsible for leading and scaling our operations, both domestically and globally. As an organisation, we are guided by four core beliefs that drive our commitment to innovation, quality and service, resulting in world class specialty vehicles: Sustainable – Caring for people & planet Integrity – Keep our promises Teamwork – Achieve more together Excellence – Passion in all we do Key responsibilities: As Head of Operations, you will be responsible for designing and implementing operational strategies that optimise production workflows and enhance operational effectiveness. By aligning these strategies with Wade Group's strategic roadmap, the HOO will drive growth and profitability across New Zealand and international markets. The role will have oversight of production, quality assurance, and operational risk management, working towards uplifting Wade Group's reputation of excellence. Some of your key responsibilities will include: Operational Strategy – Design and execute operational strategies that enhance production workflows for expansion into global markets. Collaborate with senior leadership to ensure operational plans align with the strategic roadmap for custom automotive projects. Production Management – Oversee the entire production lifecycle, from design through delivery, ensuring high standards and customer satisfaction. Lead production scheduling in collaboration with Operations Manager, optimising efficiency and operational risks. Supply Chain & Procurement – Oversee supply chain logistics, including procurement and inventory management, to meet production timelines and reduce operational costs. Performance Metrics – Establish KPIs and monitor metrics, including output, downtime, and defect rates, to drive operational excellence. Ensure alignment of metrics with productivity targets and continuous improvement goals. Quality Assurance & Compliance - Implement and maintain quality assurance processes to meet Wade Group’s standards and ISO certification requirements. Ensure compliance with industry regulations and safety protocols through robust risk management strategies and continuous improvement initiatives aimed at reducing delays and waste. Team Leadership - Lead, mentor, and develop the Operations team, fostering a culture of accountability and high performance. Conduct regular talent reviews in collaboration with HR, aligning roles with operational goals. Collaboration – Work cross-functionally with departments such as Sales, Finance, and R&D to ensure operational alignment with customer demands and market trends. Drive collaborative initiatives that enhance operational support for business objectives. QEIHS Standards - Promote a positive health, safety, and environmental culture across the organisation, ensuring compliance with ISO standards and contributing to Wade Group’s commitment to quality. Key Attributes: A proven ability to lead, motivate and develop high-performing teams within operations. Results-driven, with a strong passion for automotive innovation and customisation. Excellent relationship-building skills, problem solving, and decision-making skills. Strong leadership skills with experience in managing and developing high-performing operations teams. Meticulous attention to detail and a hands-on approach. A strategic thinker who is comfortable operating at both a high-level strategic and a hands-on operational level. Ability to adapt to a fast-paced, high-growth environment with a strong sense of ownership and accountability. Demonstrates a high level of integrity, consistently acting with honesty and transparency. Qualifications & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in business, Operations Management or a related field. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) or similar. 8+ years’ experience managing an operations team, ideally within the automotive or transport industries. Experience working with highly regulated industries is a strong advantage. A solid understanding of international markets, with proven experience in driving growth across varied regions, is highly preferred. Proven experience and expertise in developing and executing operational strategies that enhance production efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall performance in a highly customised manufacturing environment. Strong commercial acumen to effectively manage key relationships with key stakeholders and suppliers. Proven experience managing complex projects and initiatives. Competency with Microsoft Office (preferably Excel intermediate level). Good understanding of H&S principles, accident reporting and follow-up, Occupational Health and Safety – Workplace Safety (Level 1-3). This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of a rapidly growing company in a fast-paced, innovative environment. You will play a key role in delivering top-tier custom vehicle solutions and operational excellence, working alongside a collaborative team to achieve strategic business goals. If you are an experienced Operations leader with a passion for automotive customisation and a drive for operational excellence, please be in touch or apply online for this rewarding position.

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