Director of Operations

Vertical Advantage; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing firm in North West England is seeking an experienced Operations Director to lead the full operational strategy across manufacturing, purchasing, planning, and logistics. The role includes developing operational strategies, managing stock forecasting, and ensuring health and safety compliance. The ideal candidate will have proven leadership experience within batch manufacturing environments and a track record of lean manufacturing principles. This is a fully on-site role with a salary range of £100,000 - £110,000 plus additional benefits.

Benefits

Car allowance

Bonus

Benefits

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in batch and process manufacturing environments.
• Track record in lean manufacturing or world-class manufacturing operations.
• Experience within food or pharmaceutical manufacturing sectors.
• In-depth knowledge of manufacturing systems and operational processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the complete operational strategy aligned with company objectives.
• Coordinate manufacturing, purchasing, planning, and logistics functions for efficient production.
• Oversee strategic purchasing programmes and manage supplier relationships.
• Direct stock forecasting and warehouse operations to maintain optimal inventory levels.
• Ensure full health and safety compliance across all operational areas.

Skills

Leadership experience in batch and process manufacturing

Lean manufacturing principles

Strong influencing and stakeholder management

Proficiency with manufacturing software systems

Interpersonal skills

Job description

Operations Director - Manufacturing & Supply Chain Leadership

Location: North West England

Company Overview

Our client is a global leader in its sector, based in the North West. The organisation manufactures and distributes high-quality products to customers worldwide, combining purchasing, planning, manufacturing and logistics expertise.

Position Overview

As Operations Director, you'll lead the full operational strategy and delivery across manufacturing, purchasing, planning and logistics. This is a pivotal role where you'll drive efficiency, ensure on-time production and oversee strategic purchasing programmes. You'll manage stock forecasting, warehouse operations and health and safety compliance across the site.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the complete operational strategy aligned with company objectives and business plans
• Coordinate manufacturing, purchasing, planning and logistics functions to ensure efficient, on-time production
• Oversee strategic purchasing programmes and manage supplier relationships to optimise costs and quality
• Direct stock forecasting and warehouse operations to maintain optimal inventory levels
• Ensure full health and safety compliance across all operational areas and site activities
• Manage site maintenance and the vehicle fleet to support operational requirements
• Lead, mentor and develop direct reports through regular appraisals and personal development plans
• Manage capital projects from planning through to successful completion
• Drive continuous improvement using lean manufacturing and world-class operational principles

Requirements

• Proven leadership experience in batch and process manufacturing environments
• Track record in lean manufacturing or world-class manufacturing operations
• Experience within food or pharmaceutical manufacturing sectors
• Strong influencing and stakeholder management capabilities
• In‑depth knowledge of manufacturing systems and operational processes
• Self‑motivated, hard‑working approach with strong interpersonal skills
• Excellent IT skills and proficiency with manufacturing software systems
• Ability to communicate clearly with teams at all levels

This is a fully on-site role.

Salary bracket is from £100,000 - £110,000 + car allowance, bonus and benefits.

Unfortunately sponsorship is not available for this role.