Operations Director

We are partnering with a well-established and growing manufacturing business to appoint an experienced and driven Operations Director. This is a pivotal leadership role, responsible for shaping operational strategy, driving Lean transformation across the shop floor, and building a high-performance culture across the organisation.

The successful Operations Director will combine strategic capability with hands-on operational leadership. You will be equally comfortable defining long-term operational vision and spending time on the shop floor coaching teams, embedding Lean principles, and delivering measurable performance improvements.

This role will suit a commercially aware, people-focused leader who thrives in fast-paced manufacturing environments and has a track record of driving sustainable change.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the operational strategy aligned to overall business objectives.
• Lead, mentor and inspire cross-functional teams across production, engineering, supply chain and quality.
• Drive Lean manufacturing initiatives across the shop floor, embedding a culture of continuous improvement.
• Identify and eliminate waste, improve flow, increase OEE and enhance productivity.
• Champion structured improvement methodologies (e.g. Kaizen, 5S, SMED, Six Sigma, Value Stream Mapping).
• Establish clear KPIs and performance metrics, driving accountability at all levels.
• Build succession capability and develop leadership strength within operational teams.
• Optimise production planning, capacity utilisation and cost control.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and quality standards.
• Partner with the executive team to support business growth, capital investment and operational scalability.

The Ideal Ops Director

• Demonstrable track record of delivering Lean transformation and shop floor improvement programmes.
• Strong background in implementing and sustaining Lean tools and methodologies.
• Experience of leading multi-disciplinary teams in a production-led environment.
• Evidence of improving productivity, efficiency, cost control and service levels.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen.
• Data-driven approach to performance improvement.