Head of Operations

Who we are

At Dräger, we protect, support, and save lives—every single day. If you’re looking to make a meaningful impact with your work, we want to hear from you.

As a global leader in medical and safety technology, we develop pioneering devices, software, services, and solutions trusted by people around the world. Wherever Dräger products are used, the focus is always the same: Technology for Life.

About the role

Purpose of role

This role is a key member of the UK Safety Division Leadership Team (SDLT), which includes cross-functional leaders who ensure the seamless delivery of high-quality products across our global supply chain. You will lead and inspire excellence within the UK production and operations functions.

As part of the SDLT, this position upholds the Dräger WeLEAD principles, representing our UK & Ireland business at a local leadership level. You will play a critical role in driving collaborative decision-making and aligning local execution with the global portfolio strategy.

This role supports our mission of safeguarding lives through innovative safety solutions by optimising the performance of our production and operations teams—focusing on safety, quality, cost, and delivery.

Job Responsibilities

Strategic

• Contribute to the development of global supply chain strategy and performance in collaboration with Dräger Leadership Teams.
•  Develop and implement UK operations business plans aligned with organisational performance metrics.
•  Actively participate in the SDLT, bringing functional insight to enable holistic decision-making for the benefit of our business and customers.
• Support continuous improvement of Dräger’s process organisation.

Leadership

• Serve as a visible and proactive leader within the UK leadership team; collaborate with Commercial Leadership Team members on national projects.
•   Provide clear direction to Operations and Production teams, fostering a high-performance, inclusive workplace culture.
• Champion a strong safety-first culture and ensure compliance with UK HSE legislation and regulations.
•  Drive environmental and sustainability initiatives across all operational areas.
•  Promote a quality-first mindset within operations and production.
• Lead cost-reduction initiatives while maintaining safety and quality standards.
• Manage operational budgets, capital expenditure (CAPEX), and resource planning.
•  Collaborate with Finance and Commercial teams to enhance margin performance.

Operational

•  Ensure products are manufactured to customer specifications and delivered on time through efficient use of labour and resources.
• Establish and maintain systems to measure key aspects of operational performance.
• Monitor and report on operations, identifying opportunities and achievements within defined timelines.
• Lead local and international operations projects as required.
•   Manage budgets and inventory for all relevant cost centres.
•   Drive initiatives focused on Cost Excellence, LEAN, and Operational Excellence.
• Lead Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) reduction activities.
• Ensure continued compliance with quality assurance standards and accreditation.
•  Align resource allocation with budget targets and business needs, ensuring adherence to relevant policies and procedures.
• Coordinate closely with regional interfaces across related functions.
• Ensure operational objectives align with Dräger’s global process landscape.
• Support the harmonisation of cross-functional tools and processes.
• Oversee efficient methods in warehousing, logistics, and foreign trade, following guidance from Market Fulfilment.
• Note: The responsibilities above are representative of the role but are not exhaustive. Additional duties may be assigned as required.

Shared responsibilities

All employees are expected to:

• Comply with the Business Information Centre (BIC) and minimise any impact on the environment whilst carrying out their duties.
•  Promote and maintain a safe working environment for all employees, visitors, and contractors by adhering to occupational health and safety regulations.

 Embody Dräger’s WeLEAD competencies:

• I deliver results
• I build trust
• I create value for the customer
• I enable others
• I provide direction
• I embrace diversity

Reporting Relationships

Manager

• Head of Global Supply Chain

Size of team/environment

Team size: Approximately 200 employees across:

• Production Management
• Planning
• Materials Expediting
• Production & Industrial Engineering
• Warehousing & Distribution

 Role Requirements

Education/Qualifications

• Degree or MBA in Business, Operations Management, or related field.
•  Professional certifications in Operations, Business, or Leadership are desirable.

Related Experience 

 Proven experience in a senior leadership role within a manufacturing or supply chain environment.

Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams.

 Experience with ERP systems; knowledge of SAP is preferred

Skills, Special Competencies

• A dynamic, results-driven leader who influences, motivates, and inspires others.
• Commercially astute with a strong understanding of cost control, value creation, and financial performance.
• Strong analytical capabilities and strategic thinking.
• Creative problem-solver with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Effective communicator who engages and consults with others to incorporate diverse perspectives.
• Committed to customer satisfaction and operational excellence.

From hospitals to fire departments to industrial customers, people around the world rely on our products: cutting-edge technology that combines real engineering with the digital future. With over 130 years of experience, passion and the bold ideas of more than 16,000 employees, we are committed to turning technology into ›technology for life‹.

 Dräger‘s Benefits

•  27 days holiday plus bank holidays, with option to purchase up to 3 additional days
•  Flexible working scheme
•  Company car or monthly car payment allowance
•  Private medical
•  Discounted critical illness cover, dental cover and partner life assurance
•  Healthcare cash plan
•  Subsidised canteen
• Discounted shopping & leisure vouchers
•  Cycle to Work
•  Gym membership discounts – up to 25%
•  Charity Giving scheme

Dräger‘s dedication

At Dräger we have a clear vision, to be an organisation with a working environment that includes a diverse mix of talented people who want to come, stay and grow.

We ensure candidates with the required qualifications and experience will be considered for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

All are welcome to apply!