Operations Director

Operations Director - ManufacturingLocation: MidlandsUpto 120k Annual bonus up to 15%Car allowance £6,920Travel between UK-based sites Some international travel requiredWhat is true leadership?... Most of us will have to pause for a minute, but maybe not you.Our innovative Manufacturing Business is changing & expanding, and we're seeking a dynamic leader to join us as our Operations Director. Does the below sound like you?High levels of emotional intelligence.Engaging personality.Trusted and known for looking out for your team's best interests.Passionate about people development, with a keen eye for potential.Extensive Operational Management experience across multiple teams and disciplines.We are looking for an Operations Director to lead the charge in crafting and executing a visionary Manufacturing strategy for the UK. Guide your team through a transformative journey towards achieving exceptional business and customer outcomes. As the torchbearer of operational excellence, prioritising Health, Safety, and Environmental compliance while cultivating a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.Key Responsibilities:Strategic Vision and Leadership:Develop and communicate a compelling manufacturing strategy that aligns with the broader regional objectives and inspires the team.Translate strategic goals into actionable plans, ensuring every team member understands their role in the journey to success.Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, encouraging the team to embrace change and pursue excellence.Operational Mastery:Champion a customer-centric approach, ensuring the delivery of world-class service levels that delight and exceed expectations.Implement best practices in manufacturing, utilising lean principles to drive efficiency, minimise waste, and optimise performance.Oversee the preparation and management of the annual Manufacturing budget, including Capital Expenditure proposals, ensuring financial discipline and effective working capital management.Guide the seamless integration of new product designs into manufacturing processes, ensuring timely and cost-effective implementation.Health, Safety, and Environmental Stewardship:Uphold and enhance Environmental, Health, Safety, and Quality standards, ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation.Collaborate with the HSE Manager to cultivate an interdependent safety culture that prioritises the well-being of all team members.Inspirational Leadership and Development:Inspire, mentor, and develop the Manufacturing team, building a high-performing, motivated, and engaged workforce.Work closely with HR to foster skill development and capabilities across the manufacturing organisation, including establishing effective apprenticeship programmes with local colleges and specialist organisations.Lead by example, demonstrating unwavering commitment to the organisation’s values and goals.Stakeholder Engagement and Reporting:Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, fostering collaboration and trust.Ensure effective change management processes are embedded throughout the Manufacturing organisation, guiding the team through transitions smoothly.Regularly report on Manufacturing activities, providing accurate and timely updates on Key Performance Indicators to stakeholders.Qualifications/Experience:Experience in a senior Manufacturing leadership role. Operations Director / Head of Operations. Proven track record of coaching and mentoring, building high-performing teams.Expertise in continuous improvement, with a deep understanding of lean manufacturing techniques, particularly root cause analysis and problem-solving.Strong background in building and leading cultures focused on Environmental, Safety, and Quality standards.Degree in a manufacturing/engineering discipline.Strong financial acumen, with a comprehensive understanding of operational finance and budgetary control.Desirable:Background in a large multi-national organisation, preferably within a matrix management structure.Proven ability to operate and influence at a strategic level.Competencies:Exceptional customer focus.Superior people management and leadership skills.Practical, hands-on engineering mindset capable of solving complex technical issues.Proven ability to add value, reduce costs, and drive business improvements.Ability to manage multiple tasks and shift priorities effectively to meet business needs.Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and commitments.Strong communication skills with staff, senior managers, and external stakeholders.Decisive problem-solving capabilities.Collaborative, open, and honest in all dealings.