Director Operations

Sibelco Group; Talke; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Sibelco is seeking a Director Operations – Cluster Kings Lynn to lead 8 sites, including 5 silica sand sites, co-owning the cluster P&L and delivering the company growth strategy with a strong emphasis on safety, quality, and sustainable practices.

You will partner with the Commercial Director to drive profitability, coordinate BST and functional leaders, and shape staffing to meet future needs across the cluster.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Deliver the cluster’s P&L, grow the business and realize the set performance objectives in terms of safety, quality, quantity, planning and costs.
• Ensure that the BST can deliver the Finance, HR & Procurement processes allocated to the team, while Finance/HR/Procurement act as SMEs for BST employees.
• Define 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.

Skills

Engineering background

Plant leadership

People management

Operations improvements

Quarries/minerals experience

Quarry regulations knowledge

P/L delivery

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor Level – Mining / Engineering

Job description

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.