Operations Director

Streamline Search; England; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading packaging manufacturer in Southampton is seeking an experienced Operations Director to oversee production, quality, maintenance, and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will lead teams, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and ensure compliance with industry standards. This role offers a competitive salary ranging from £50,000 to £60,000, alongside benefits like 28 days holiday and a company pension scheme.

Benefits

28 days holiday, inclusive of bank holidays

Company pension scheme

Qualifications

• Proven senior operations/manufacturing leadership experience in relevant sectors.
• Strong knowledge of extrusion and flexible packaging processes.
• Excellent understanding of quality systems and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage full manufacturing operations.
• Drive operational excellence and optimise resources.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and safety regulations.

Skills

Senior operations/manufacturing leadership experience

Knowledge of extrusion processes

Understanding of quality systems

Maintenance and asset management knowledge

Experience with continuous improvement methodologies

Job description

Operations Director Required!

Our client is a leading packaging manufacturer based in Southampton.

Our client is seeking an experienced Operations Director to lead and manage their full manufacturing operation. The successful candidate will be accountable for production, quality, maintenance, safety, and overall operational efficiency. They will drive operational excellence, optimise resources, and ensure timely delivery of customer orders, all while maintaining profitability and compliance with environmental and industry regulations.

Package:

• Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 5:30pm (flexibility required)
• £50,000 - £60,000 (DOE)
• 28 days holiday, inclusive of bank holidays
• Company pension scheme

Operations Director - Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with company goals.
• Lead, coach, and develop production, maintenance, and quality teams while fostering a culture of continuous improvement, safety, and accountability.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of extrusion, conversion, and packaging lines, ensuring production targets are met in line with customer demand and specifications.
• Implement lean manufacturing and efficiency improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with BRCGS and other relevant industry standards, maintaining high product quality and enforcing environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Lead maintenance operations to keep machinery and plant equipment reliable, safe, and fully operational, including planned preventative maintenance, rapid response to breakdowns, and management of engineering projects and equipment upgrades.
• Drive continuous improvement in asset care, machine efficiency, and energy usage.
• Manage operational budgets, cost control, and capital investment planning.
• Oversee raw material procurement and stock control to ensure continuous supply.
• Monitor and report on KPIs, ensuring efficiency and profitability targets are achieved.
• Identify opportunities for automation, waste reduction, and sustainability improvements.

Operations Director - Requirements:

• Proven senior operations/manufacturing leadership experience (preferably in plastics, polythene, or packaging sectors).
• Strong knowledge of extrusion, conversion, and flexible packaging processes.
• Excellent understanding of quality systems and regulatory compliance.
• Strong knowledge of maintenance, engineering, and asset management.
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.