Head of Assembly – Submarines

Huddersfield 

75K DOE + 6K Car Allowance + 10 Bonus

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head of Assembly to lead the delivery of complex assembly programmes within a highly regulated engineering environment. This role is responsible for ensuring all assembly activities are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

You will lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams, driving operational excellence while supporting programme delivery across large-scale, complex engineered products within the defence and marine sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage assembly operations to deliver programmes in line with quality, cost, and delivery targets
• Ensure all activities comply with Health & Safety regulations and internal quality standards
• Drive operational performance against revenue, cash, and programme milestones
• Identify, manage, and mitigate programme risks and opportunities
• Provide clear leadership and direction to assembly teams, ensuring successful delivery of contracted outputs
• Coordinate operational updates and maintain strong communication across internal stakeholders
• Influence and collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering, quality, supply chain, and programme management
• Support and contribute to continuous improvement and transformation initiatives
• Implement best-in-class visual management and operational reporting practices
• Develop and mentor team leaders, supporting capability growth across the wider team
• Contribute to the development and sustainment of world-class manufacturing facilities

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in a senior manufacturing or assembly leadership role
• Strong background in complex engineering or heavy manufacturing environments
• Experience delivering programmes within defence, marine, aerospace, or similarly regulated industries (preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams across concurrent projects
• Strong understanding of operational performance, programme delivery, and production management
• Experience in change management, continuous improvement, or transformation programmes
• Ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on operational involvement
• Excellent stakeholder management and senior-level communication skills
• Proven ability to work under pressure and deliver to tight deadlines

Qualifications
Minimum: NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent)
Preferred: HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline

Benefits

• Bonus: 10 annual incentive scheme
• Car Allowance: 508.25 per month (6,099 per annum)
• Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week
• Benefits Package
• 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
• Flexible working hours with the ability to accrue up to 12 additional days leave
• Pension scheme with up to 8 employer contribution
• Death in Service cover (up to 5x basic salary)
• Health Care Cash Plan (including dental, physiotherapy, and other treatments)

Additional Information

• Travel: ~10 domestic, ~5 international
• Role operates within a highly regulated environment, requiring adherence to strict security and compliance standards
• Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be eligible for security clearance