Director of Global Manufacturing Operations

  • Meritus
  • Stroud, Gloucestershire
  • Apr 22, 2026
Full time Executive

Job Description

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Director of Global Manufacturing Operations to lead and scale manufacturing performance across multiple international sites.

This is a senior leadership role requiring both strategic oversight and hands-on execution. You will work cross-functionally with engineering, commercial, and supply chain teams to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality, complex components to a global customer base.



Key Responsibilities

  • Define and execute global manufacturing strategy across existing and future sites
  • Lead site manufacturing teams, ensuring alignment on performance, standards, and best practice
  • Build and scale high-performing manufacturing operations, setting benchmarks for quality and efficiency
  • Drive continuous improvement using Lean principles to optimise cost, output, and performance
  • Oversee production planning, capacity management, and resource allocation
  • Lead new site setup, expansion, and commissioning activities internationally


Candidate Profile

  • Highly autonomous operator, comfortable owning global manufacturing performance end-to-end
  • Strong commercial mindset with a focus on margins, efficiency, and delivery
  • Deep, hands-on understanding of manufacturing environments and processes
  • Proven ability to scale operations in high-growth or complex technical environments


Experience Required

  • 10+ years in senior manufacturing leadership roles
  • Experience managing multi-site, international operations
  • Background in composites, aerospace, defence, or advanced materials is highly advantageous
  • Strong understanding of regulated quality environments such as AS9100
  • Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing teams
  • Willingness to travel internationally


What's on Offer

  • Competitive salary and benefits
  • Long-term incentive potential
  • Opportunity to play a key role in scaling a high-growth, technology-led manufacturing business
  • Direct impact on shaping next-generation engineering solutions