Hands-On Operations Director – Engineering & Manufacturing

Gap Personnel Limited; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company car

10% bonus

Healthcare

Pension

Job summary

Gap Personnel Limited is seeking an exceptional Operations Director to lead the engineering and manufacturing operations, with hands-on engagement on the factory floor. You will oversee manufacturing, engineering, maintenance and quality, driving Lean improvements, reliability, OEE and profitability while building a safety‑driven, high‑performing culture.

This senior role requires a credible leader who can develop managers, manage budgets and CAPEX, and deliver sustainable changes across the

Qualifications

• Significant senior operational leadership experience within an engineering or manufacturing environment.
• Strong engineering and technical manufacturing knowledge.
• Experience leading large manufacturing/production teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing, engineering and operational performance.
• Drive improvements in productivity, quality, cost and on-time delivery.
• Embed Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• Improve machinery reliability and reduce unplanned downtime.
• Develop preventative maintenance and improve OEE.
• Establish KPIs and accountability across operations.
• Lead, coach and develop the operations management team.
• Build a positive, high-performing culture.
• Challenge inefficient processes and drive sustainable change.
• Oversee CAPEX, equipment upgrades, automation and new technology.
• Manage budgets and improve profitability.
• Maintain Health & Safety and quality standards.

Skills

Ops leadership

Engineering knowledge

Manufacturing leadership

Lean manufacturing

KPIs and data

Job description

Gap Personnel Limited is seeking an exceptional Operations Director to lead the engineering and manufacturing operations, with hands-on engagement on the factory floor. You will oversee manufacturing, engineering, maintenance and quality, driving Lean improvements, reliability, OEE and profitability while building a safety‑driven, high‑performing culture.

This senior role requires a credible leader who can develop managers, manage budgets and CAPEX, and deliver sustainable changes across the