Group Operations Leader — Multi‑Site Automotive Transformation

Umbilical Advanced; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25% performance bonus

Car allowance or company car

Private healthcare for executive and2?

Job summary

Umbilical Advanced is seeking a Group Operations Director to oversee its multi-site UK manufacturing footprint, with responsibilities spanning precision engineering, assembly and process automation.

The role requires a senior executive capable of driving standardised processes, lean transformation, safety, quality and delivery performance across sites, while guiding an operating P&L and leading a high-calibre leadership team.

Qualifications

• Significant senior operational experience in multi-site manufacturing.
• Proven track record of leading operational transformation, standardisation and continuous improvement programs.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing, automation, and digital factory initiatives.
• Experience managing high-volume production environments with complex supply chains.
• Demonstrable P&L ownership and experience in cost optimisation.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, capable of motivating and developing operational teams.
• Confident working at Board level and driving strategic operational decisions.
• Degree qualified in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, MBA or equivalent advantageous.
• Based within a reasonable commuting distance of Central England, with flexibility for site travel.

Responsibilities

• Full accountability for operational performance across the group’s UK sites.
• Lead Directors and site managers across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Ensure operational efficiency, quality, safety and cost control.
• Develop and embed standardised manufacturing processes and lean principles.
• Drive continuous improvement and automation initiatives.
• Manage the operational P&L and contribute to business growth.
• Partner with commercial and technical teams to deliver customer requirements for automotive clients.
• Build and mentor a high-performing operations leadership team.
• Support workforce planning, talent development and operational succession.

Skills

Senior leadership

Multi-site ops

Lean manufacturing

P&L ownership

Automation & digital

Stakeholder mgmt

Education

Engineering degree

MBA or equivalent

Job description

Umbilical Advanced is seeking a Group Operations Director to oversee its multi-site UK manufacturing footprint, with responsibilities spanning precision engineering, assembly and process automation.

The role requires a senior executive capable of driving standardised processes, lean transformation, safety, quality and delivery performance across sites, while guiding an operating P&L and leading a high-calibre leadership team.