Operations Director

Recruitment Solutions Workforce Ltd; Merthyr Tydfil; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Recruitment Solutions Workforce Ltd is seeking an experienced Operations Director for a specialist manufacturing business in South Wales. You will lead the senior operations team, shape the operational strategy, and partner with the CEO to drive performance across quality, delivery, cost control and continuous improvement.

You will manage a multidisciplinary team, align production, engineering, purchasing and finance, and translate strategic objectives into actionable initiatives while

Qualifications

• Senior operations leadership experience in manufacturing.
• Experience in highly regulated sectors.
• Proven track record of developing operational strategy.
• Strong financial acumen including budgeting and cost control.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary management teams.
• Knowledge of quality management systems and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the operational strategy aligned with business goals.
• Lead the Operations Manager and management team.
• Oversee manufacturing performance including quality, delivery, productivity.
• Manage budgets, planning and cost-control with CEO and finance.
• Drive 5S and continuous-improvement initiatives.
• Develop contingency and business continuity plans.

Job description

Operations Director - Specialist Manufacturing

Location: South Wales

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 39 hours per week, Monday to Friday

The opportunity

An established specialist manufacturing business operating within highly regulated sectors is looking to appoint an experienced Operations Director to join its senior leadership team and lead the company's operational strategy.

Reporting directly to the CEO, this is a senior leadership appointment with responsibility for operational performance, cost control, organisational capability and continuous improvement.

The successful candidate will lead a multidisciplinary management team, including the Operations Manager, and work closely with functions including production, engineering, purchasing, materials, quality, new product introduction, finance and HR.

This is an excellent opportunity for an accomplished Operations Director, Head of Operations or equivalent senior manufacturing leader who can combine strategic leadership with a thorough understanding of day-to-day manufacturing operations.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the company's operational strategy in line with its wider commercial objectives.
• Translate business strategy into clear operational priorities, performance targets and improvement plans.
• Lead, support and develop the Operations Manager and wider management team.
• Maintain strategic oversight of manufacturing performance, including quality, delivery, productivity, capacity and customer service.
• Ensure the appropriate people, equipment and materials are available to meet current and future business requirements.
• Drive operational excellence and create a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant quality, regulatory and industry standards.
• Take responsibility for operational budgets, planning and cost-control activities, working closely with the CEO and finance function.
• Analyse operational and financial performance to identify opportunities to increase efficiency and profitability.
• Lead 5S and other continuous-improvement initiatives throughout the operation.
• Oversee performance-management processes, training requirements and skills matrices.
• Work closely with engineering and quality teams to support process development and the successful introduction of new products.
• Develop strong relationships with key customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Lead cross-functional business-improvement and growth projects.
• Identify operational risks and maintain effective contingency and business-continuity plans.
• Provide the CEO with accurate operational insight to support strategic decision-making.
• Represent the business professionally when engaging with customers, suppliers and relevant industry stakeholders.

About you

You will already be operating at Operations Director, Head of Operations or an equivalent senior manufacturing leadership level, with responsibility extending beyond production management into operational strategy, financial performance and organisational development.

You will be able to demonstrate:

• Significant senior leadership experience within a specialist manufacturing environment.
• Experience working within a highly regulated or quality-critical sector.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary management teams, including senior operational managers.
• A successful track record of developing and implementing operational strategy.
• Strong commercial and financial awareness, including budgetary responsibility and cost control.
• Evidence of improving quality, delivery, productivity, efficiency and profitability.
• Strong knowledge of quality management systems, regulatory compliance and continuous improvement.
• Experience supporting business growth, investment, new product introduction or organisational change.
• The ability to provide strategic direction while maintaining a clear understanding of operational performance.
• Experience managing relationships with senior customers, suppliers and other key stakeholders.
• Excellent leadership, communication and decision‑making skills.
• A practical, calm and solutions‑focused approach to complex operational challenges.

Your leadership style

You will be a visible and credible leader who can establish strong relationships at every level of the business.

You will be comfortable challenging existing practices, setting clear expectations and holding people accountable while creating an inclusive and supportive working environment.

The successful candidate will be commercially minded, improvement‑focused and capable of balancing immediate operational demands with the company's longer‑term objectives.

Why apply?

• Shape and deliver the operational strategy of an established specialist manufacturer.
• Work closely with the CEO and influence key business decisions.
• Lead and develop an experienced multidisciplinary management team.
• Drive meaningful improvements across quality, delivery, efficiency and profitability.
• Play a central role in the company's continued growth and development.

Competitive salary package

Competitive salary package

All applications and enquiries will be treated with complete confidentiality