Operations Director

Lord Search & Selection

Ipswich

On-site

GBP 120,000 - 160,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

A leading contract manufacturer in Ipswich is seeking an Operations Director to oversee the growth and operational excellence of its manufacturing site. The ideal candidate has experience in regulated environments and a strong background in leading teams to achieve quality and compliance standards. Key responsibilities include driving performance, managing budgets, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Experience in regulated, high-precision environments.
Track record of leading operations teams effectively.
Strong communication skills and emotional intelligence.

Responsibilities

Lead the day-to-day operations of the manufacturing site.
Build and mentor a high-performing management team.
Ensure compliance with ISO 13485 and FDA standards.
Ensure ISO 13485 and FDA compliance and regulatory readiness.
Collaborate on budgeting and long-term capacity planning.

Skills

Leadership

Operations Management

Regulatory Compliance

Strategic Planning

Continuous Improvement

Job description

Overview

Join to apply for the Operations Director role at Lord Search & Selection.

Base pay range

This range is provided by Lord Search & Selection. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

The Company

We are currently working in partnership with a fast-growing, contract manufacturer specialising in medical devices. The business delivers end-to-end manufacturing solutions, and has built a strong reputation for innovation, delivery and quality. Amidst significant UK and international expansion, the company is now seeking an exceptional Operations Director to lead and scale its manufacturing capabilities while maintaining the highest standards of customer confidence and regulatory compliance.

The Role

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Operations Director will take full ownership of day-to-day operations for the manufacturing site. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for ensuring delivery against performance, quality, and safety targets, while rapidly scaling operational capacity in line with commercial growth. You will build and mentor a high-performing management team, embed a continuous improvement culture, and lead operational planning across staffing, equipment, clean room utilisation and production scheduling. Additional priorities include HSE leadership, compliance with ISO 13485 and FDA standards, supplier management, and strategic input into budgeting and CAPEX planning.

The Person

This is an outstanding opportunity for a senior manufacturing professional ideally with experience in regulated, high-precision environments or adjacent sectors such as automotive or aerospace. You will bring a track record of successfully leading operations teams, scaling capacity at pace, and delivering excellence across quality, efficiency, and compliance. You will be a strategic, hands-on leader who excels in complex environments and thrives on building capability in people and systems. With clear, confident communication skills and high emotional intelligence, you will also be adept at engaging stakeholders from the factory floor to the boardroom.

How to Apply

This is a senior operational leadership role in a business undergoing an exciting phase of transformation and growth. If you are passionate about manufacturing excellence and motivated by the opportunity to lead operations through scale, please apply with your full CV quoting reference 100121 and detailing your current remuneration.

Seniority level