Lee Rippon
Peterborough,Cambridgeshire
Summary
Strategic Operations and Governance Leader with executive-level accountability for a £73m+ turnover organisation, overseeing multi-site operations (Peterborough & Frome, Somerset), managing 150+ employees and 7 direct reports. Instrumental in driving business growth (£50m → £73m), operational excellence, and industry accreditation compliance. Certified Member of IOSH (Chartered pending) and IOSH Registered Trainer, currently completing a Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Health & Safety Leadership. Recognised for embedding robust governance frameworks, elevating organisational performance, and delivering measurable operational, commercial, and safety outcomes. Trusted advisor to business owners, providing strategic insight across operations, HR, risk, and compliance to enable sustainable growth.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Operations Manager (Executive Operational Lead)
EPD Insulation Group Ltd
Peterborough & Frome
2019.04 - 2026.02
- Executive operational lead for a £73m+ turnover business, managing multiple sites with full accountability for HR, Health & Safety, risk management, and operational performance across 150+ employees and 7 direct reports.
- Key Achievements:
- Directed business growth from £50m to £73m+ turnover through strengthened operational control, workforce development, and strategic process improvement initiatives across two sites.
- Achieved CHAS Verified accreditation, enhancing compliance and supply chain credibility.
- Contributed to FORS Gold accreditation via policy development, compliance documentation, and governance frameworks.
- Developed and implemented Health & Safety strategy across multiple sites, including Fire Risk Assessments, regulatory compliance, and risk management systems, elevating organisational safety standards.
- Designed and delivered staff training programs as an IOSH Registered Trainer, fostering a culture of continuous learning and safety excellence.
- Oversaw recruitment, workforce planning, and leadership succession across all locations.
- Chaired senior leadership meetings, providing executive-level reporting on operational performance, risk, and compliance.
- Introduced process improvements to optimise efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance operational resilience.
Area Operations Manager
Marshalls Plc
St Ives
2011.11 - 2019.03
- Led operational performance within a high-volume manufacturing environment, managing cross-functional teams to deliver production, safety, and financial targets.
- Key Achievements:
- Developed, wrote, and implemented operational and Health & Safety policies to ensure compliance and standardised procedures across the site, including Fire Risk Assessments.
- Managed multiple projects from initiation to completion, delivering operational improvements, cost savings, and process enhancements.
- Improved Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and operational efficiency through structured performance management.
- Strengthened Health & Safety compliance and risk assessment practices across teams.
- Reduced operational downtime through collaboration with maintenance and engineering departments.
- Designed and delivered workforce development programs, enhancing flexibility, engagement, and performance.
- Managed disciplinary and performance management processes in line with company policy.
Production Team Member & Safety Representative
Hanson Building Products
Whittlesey
2001.06 - 2011.10
- Supported production operations while maintaining high quality and safety standards.
- Acted as Safety Representative, conducting internal audits and supporting risk assessments, including Fire Risk Assessments.
- Contributed to operational improvements and compliance initiatives.
Education
Sir Harry Smith Community College
CambridgeshireSkills
- Executive Operational Leadership & Strategy
- Multi-Site Operations Management (Peterborough & Frome, 150 employees, 7 direct reports)
- Health, Safety & Regulatory Governance (CHAS Verified, FORS Gold, Fire Risk Assessments, compliance audits)
- HR Strategy, Recruitment & Talent Development
- Risk Management & Compliance Frameworks
- Operational Excellence & Process Optimisation
- Policy Development, Implementation & Governance
- Project Management (Cross-Functional Initiatives)
- Budget & Cost Management
- Transport & Operator Licence Compliance
- Contractor & Stakeholder Management
- Organisational Culture & Engagement
- Training & Development (IOSH Registered Trainer)
Websites
Certification
- Certified Member (CertIOSH), Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (Chartered pending)
- IOSH Registered Trainer – qualified to deliver IOSH training and refreshers
- Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Health & Safety Leadership (near completion)
- Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety Practice
- Level 5 Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety Practice
- NEBOSH General Certificate
- NEBOSH Fire Safety
- NEBOSH Environmental Management Certificate – passed, pending issuance (Feb 2026)
- NEBOSH HSE Incident Investigation
- NEBOSH Health & Safety Leadership Excellence
- IOSH Managing Safely (2009, 2019, 2024)
- IOSH CDM Awareness
- ROSPA Managing Contractors, Legionella & COSHH
- Professional Certificate in Management – Open University
- ILM Level 3 Award in Leadership & Management
- Level 3 Award in Education & Training
- RHA Managing the Operator’s Licence
- RHA Practical Safe Loading
- BAFE Certified Fire Extinguisher Maintenance (2024)
- Emergency First Aid at Work
Timeline
Operations Manager (Executive Operational Lead)
EPD Insulation Group Ltd
2019.04 - 2026.02
Area Operations Manager
Marshalls Plc
2011.11 - 2019.03
Production Team Member & Safety Representative
Hanson Building Products
2001.06 - 2011.10
Sir Harry Smith Community College