Head of Operations
4 days ago
South Normanton
Irlam Associates are proud to be the recruitment partner to EPC-UK. We are now seeking an exceptional Head of Operations to join our senior leadership team and play a pivotal role in taking EPC-UK to the next stage of growth. This is a rare opportunity to lead operations for one of the UK’s most respected names in the sector. As part of the globally recognised EPC Groupe, our expertise spans manufacturing, logistics, drilling & blasting, training, and digital innovation. From quarries and mines to major civil engineering projects, our solutions are trusted across the UK for their safety, reliability, and cutting-edge technology. The Role: Head of Operations Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will oversee all UK operational activities, ensuring EPC-UK continues to deliver the highest standards of safety, compliance, efficiency, and innovation. • Explosives Manufacturing – Overseeing safe, compliant production across fully bonded and licensed facilities., • Drilling & Blasting Services – Ensuring operational excellence, efficiency, and customer satisfaction across nationwide projects., • Logistics & Supply Chain – Managing complex movements of hazardous materials, ensuring full compliance with UK regulations., • Digital & Technical Solutions – Driving the integration of data-driven tools such as EPC Metrics to improve real-time decision-making, client service, and sustainability., • Training & Development – Embedding our SPIRIT values into people development, building high-performing, empowered teams., • This is a strategic and hands-on leadership role, balancing operational control with forward-thinking innovation. Key Responsibilities: • Lead day-to-day operations across multiple UK sites, ensuring targets, KPIs, and customer commitments are met., • Uphold EPC-UK’s reputation as a safety-first organisation, embedding a culture of compliance, risk awareness, and operational discipline., • Develop and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, cost efficiency, and service delivery., • Champion the adoption of digital platforms and data-led decision-making to optimise performance and unlock growth., • Lead, mentor, and inspire operational managers, driving engagement and accountability at all levels., • Work closely with the EPC Groupe global technical network to align UK operations with international best practice., • Collaborate cross-functionally (Commercial, Finance, HR, Technical, and SHEQ) to ensure operational strategies support wider business goals., • Play a visible role as a senior leader in representing EPC-UK with clients, partners, regulators, and industry stakeholders. About You: We are looking for a senior operational leader with the credibility, technical understanding, and leadership skills to operate at both strategic and tactical levels. Essential Experience & Skills: • Proven track record in operations leadership, ideally in heavy industry, explosives, mining, engineering, manufacturing, or logistics., • Strong understanding of health, safety, environmental, and regulatory frameworks (ISO, ATEX, COMAH, etc.)., • Ability to lead multi-site, multi-disciplinary teams with confidence and empathy., • Commercially astute with a strong focus on delivering value and efficiency., • Comfortable working with and implementing digital transformation initiatives., • Excellent stakeholder management—able to influence at all levels internally and externally. Desirable: • Background in explosives or hazardous goods sectors., • Experience within an international or matrix organisation., • Chartered status or equivalent professional qualifications. Why EPC-UK? • A unique opportunity to lead operations at the forefront of a highly specialised, safety-critical industry., • The ability to influence the UK strategy while contributing to EPC Groupe’s global growth journey., • A supportive, inclusive leadership environment where innovation is encouraged, and people are valued., • Competitive salary package with executive benefits., • Opportunities for ongoing professional growth, leadership development, and international collaboration. Employment is subject to the successful completion of BPSS clearance, which includes right to work, identity, criminal record, and employment/education reference checks.