Director Operations

Sibelco Group; Newcastle-under-Lyme; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Sibelco Group in Talke, United Kingdom, is seeking a Director Operations – Cluster Kings Lynn to oversee 8 sites, including 5 silica sand sites, and co-own the cluster P&L while driving the execution of operational and growth strategies.

The role blends hands-on engineering leadership with multi-site plant management, focusing on safety, quality, and cost discipline; native English and the right to work in the UK are essential.

Qualifications

• Strong engineering background and hands-on capability.
• Leadership over 5-8 plants/quarries/sites.
• People management and development in transformation environments.
• Operations improvement skills in drying, milling, sorting, dredging.
• Experience with quarry or site expansion projects.
• UK mining/minerals or cement industry experience.
• Experience of the Quarries Regulations 1999.
• Proven track record of P/L delivery.
• Bachelor level in Mining or Engineering.
• Native English is vital.

Responsibilities

• Deliver the cluster’s P&L in partnership with the Commercial Director.
• Ensure Business Services Team can deliver Finance, HR & Procurement outcomes.
• Define staffing needs and develop talent within the cluster.

Skills

Engineering background

Leadership experience

P/L delivery

People management

Operations improvement

Mining/minerals industry experience

Regulatory compliance

Bachelor level in Mining/Engineering

Native English

Education

Bachelor Level – Mining / Engineering

Job description

Director Operations

Location:

Talke

At Sibelco, we advance life through materials.

For over 150 years, we’ve been a trusted leader in sourcing, transforming, and distributing specialty industrial minerals. Our work powers progress across industries as diverse as glass, ceramics, construction, coatings, polymers, and water purification. Beyond our materials, we’re proud of our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and empowering people from all walks of life to thrive and make a meaningful impact.

Are We the Perfect Match?

At Sibelco, we believe building a successful career is a two-way journey. We’re looking for individuals who share our values and vision, just as much as you’re seeking a company that aligns with your aspirations. Together, we can shape the future.

Job Description:

Your Impact in This Role

The Director Operations – Cluster Kings Lynn is responsible for 8 sites, including 5 Silica Sand sites. He/she is also co-owner of the cluster P&L and is the primary responsible for ensuring the implementation and execution of Sibelco’s operations and growth strategy, as well as managing the overall plant operations in the cluster, in compliance with quality, HSE and sustainable standards and corporate policies.

• In partnership with the Commercial Director, you will deliver the cluster’s P&L, grow the business and realize the set performance objectives in terms of safety, quality, quantity, planning and costs.

• You will ensure that the Business Services Team (BST) can deliver the outcome of the Finance, HR & Procurement processes allocated to the team, whilst the Functional Leaders of Finance, HR & Procurement act as subject matter experts for the BST employees.

• You will be responsible for defining the overall staffing needs of the cluster operations organization & BST to ensure delivering on promise, developing talent, competence, and career progression of staff within the cluster.

What You Bring to the Table

• Strong engineering background and ability to act hands-on when required

• Leadership experience by running 5-8 plants/quarries/sites

• Strong people management and development skills experience in a transformation environment.

• Strong operations improvement skills in drying, milling, sorting, dredging

• Expertise in dealing with quarry or site expansion projects

• Multiple years of UK industry experience in mining/minerals or the cement industry

• Experience of the Quarries Regulations 1999

• Proven track record of P/L delivery

• Bachelor Level – Mining / Engineering

• Native English is vital

_ You must have the right to work in the UK _

Employee Type:

Permanent

Why Join Us?

Sibelco is more than a workplace—it’s a community that encourages growth, innovation, and collaboration. Here’s what you can look forward to when you join our team:

• Meet Our People: Careers

• Learn About Our Recruitment Process: Learn More

• Discover Our Sustainability Goals: Sibelco priorities

We also welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to providing reasonable adjustments to support you through the selection process.