Director of Operations

JR United Kingdom; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A global manufacturing company is seeking a full-time Director of Operations in Bournemouth. This role involves managing plant operations, ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency while leading a results-driven team. The ideal candidate will have extensive manufacturing leadership experience and a strong background in lean practices.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• 4+ years as Operations Manager or similar role.

Responsibilities

• Manage and perform at a UK manufacturing site.
• Build and lead a high-performing organization.
• Develop systems to monitor productivity and performance metrics.

Skills

Leadership

Lean Manufacturing

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving

Job description

We have a full-time Director of Operations opportunity for a global manufacturing PE-owned company. Background and requirements for the role include:

Summary

The Director of Operations will have direct responsibility for managing and performing at a UK manufacturing site. This role ensures all plant operations meet or exceed organizational objectives aligned with the company's vision, mission, and goals. It also supports initiatives of profitable growth, customer focus, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Site Operations Leadership:

• Build, develop, and lead a results-driven, team-oriented, high-performing organization focused on consistent operations using lean techniques to achieve financial goals and KPIs (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Inventory, People).
• Develop and implement capacity plans to meet customer demand.
• Coordinate all facility operations, including manufacturing, asset utilization, inventory, maintenance, cost control, manpower, and administration.
• Promote a culture focused on Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS), aiming for a zero-incident record.
• Conduct regular plant meetings to update employees on outlook and long-term goals.
• Develop systems to monitor and optimize productivity and performance metrics.
• Manage performance through lean, continuous improvement, and problem-solving tools (A3s, 5-why, 8D). Regularly review and report on countermeasures and corrective actions.
• Achieve budgeted cost productivity by executing volume-adjusted spending, productivity, and efficiency initiatives.
• Contribute to EBITDA goals by managing plant-level financials and driving margin improvements through cost reduction and productivity enhancements.
• Collaborate with accounting on cost analysis, standards, variances, and budgeting for new products.

Organizational Development:

• Build and mentor a strong organization, including structures, processes, and systems, capable operationally and financially.
• Foster a performance culture, setting clear goals, inspiring achievement, and supporting professional development.

Requirements

• 15+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership, with at least 4 years as Operations Manager or similar role overseeing production, purchasing, inventory, engineering, shipping, and warehousing.
• Preference for candidates with Director-level manufacturing experience at companies with GBP 100M-200M revenue.
• At least 4 years leading change and implementing lean manufacturing practices.
• Experience in high-mix, low-volume machining, assembly, and testing environments is preferred.
• Comprehensive supply chain knowledge, including SIOP, sourcing, production planning, purchasing, and distribution.
• Familiarity with current manufacturing technologies, materials management, logistics, quality systems, and processes.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data related to costs, budgets, and supply chain metrics.
• Proven leadership in building high-performance teams, cross-functional leadership, and employee development.
• Experience leading site transformations and engaging employees to improve processes and performance.