VHR is supporting a leading aerospace manufacturing organisation as it expands its operational capabilities in the Middle East. This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing industrial operation and play a key role in establishing high-performing manufacturing processes, developing production teams and supporting long-term business growth.

We are seeking an experienced Head of Assembly Operations to lead and optimise end-to-end assembly activities within a complex, quality-critical manufacturing environment.

Reporting into the senior operational leadership team, you will take ownership of production performance, workforce development, quality, safety and delivery, ensuring that operational objectives are achieved while driving a culture of continuous improvement.

• Operational Leadership: Lead all assembly operations from work-in-progress through to final product completion, ensuring production targets for quality, cost, safety and delivery are consistently achieved.

• People Management: Lead, develop and motivate a substantial manufacturing workforce, including production managers and training personnel, building a culture of accountability, collaboration and operational excellence.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Programme Management and Customer-Facing teams to resolve operational challenges and improve overall performance.

• Manufacturing Excellence: Drive improvements in production flow, line balancing, cycle times, resource utilisation and lean manufacturing practices to maximise efficiency and output.

• Process Standardisation: Ensure manufacturing processes, work instructions and standard operating procedures are robust, consistently applied and aligned with applicable industry and quality standards.

• Performance Management: Monitor key operational indicators, including on-time delivery, first-pass yield, productivity, scrap and rework. Lead structured problem-solving activities and implement corrective action plans.

• Customer Engagement: Maintain effective communication with relevant stakeholders and customers regarding production progress, quality matters and delivery commitments.

• Workforce Development: Oversee technical training and workforce development activities, ensuring employees have the skills, competencies and qualifications required to meet operational demands.

• Training Strategy: Establish training objectives, contribute to annual training plans and budgets, and coordinate closely with Production and Engineering teams to address capability gaps.

• Compliance and Safety: Ensure adherence to applicable regulatory requirements, quality management systems, environmental, health and safety standards, and relevant product certification requirements.

• A degree or Master's qualification in Engineering, Manufacturing or a related discipline is preferred; equivalent relevant experience will also be considered.

• Significant experience leading assembly, production or manufacturing operations within aerospace or another complex, highly regulated manufacturing environment.

• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing, production planning, line balancing, process optimisation and continuous improvement methodologies.

• A sound technical understanding of complex mechanical assemblies, manufacturing processes and product quality requirements.

• Proven experience managing large teams, developing operational leaders and building a high-performance culture.

• Demonstrable success in improving production efficiency, quality performance, productivity and on-time delivery.

• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across multiple functions and engage with customers.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and decision-making capabilities, with a proactive and results-driven approach.