Operations Director

Ten Human Resources; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-related incentives

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Ten Human Resources is seeking an ambitious Operations Director for a leading UK aluminium manufacturing business. Reporting to the Owner, you will shape strategic and operational development, scale manufacturing operations, build high-performing teams, and implement robust processes to support growth.

You will oversee manufacturing, engineering, production, supply chain, quality, logistics, and continuous improvement, driving lean initiatives, capacity planning, and compliance with health and

Qualifications

• Significant senior leadership experience in engineering/manufacturing/high-volume production.
• Qualification in Engineering, Manufacturing, Production Management or related discipline.
• Proven track record of scaling businesses and managing rapid growth.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary manufacturing operations teams.
• Strong commercial awareness balancing performance and profitability.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute operational strategies to support growth from £30m to £50m turnover.
• Take ownership of day-to-day operations alongside the Owner.
• Lead and develop manufacturing, engineering, production, supply chain, quality, logistics, and CI.
• Drive efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction.
• Implement scalable systems, structures, and processes for growth.
• Mentor senior management across all business areas.
• Champion lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee capacity planning, investment projects, and performance metrics.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, quality and environmental standards.
• Contribute to strategic direction and succession planning.

Skills

Senior leadership

Engineering background

Manufacturing

Lean manufacturing

Strategic planning

People development

Commercial awareness

Change management

Education

Engineering degree

Production/Manufacturing management qualification

Job description

About Us

We are a highly successful and respected UK manufacturer of specialist aluminium windows, doors, curtain walling systems, and high-end glazing solutions serving the retail, commercial, and architectural sectors. Renowned for quality, innovation, and exceptional customer service, we have built a strong reputation as a market leader within our industry.

With annual turnover currently exceeding £30 million, we are entering an exciting phase of growth and are seeking an exceptional Operations Director to help drive the business to £50 million turnover within the next 4 to 5 years.

This is a rare opportunity to join a dynamic, ambitious, and financially strong company where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the business.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the Owner, you will take a leading role in the strategic and operational development of the company. As a key member of the senior leadership team, you will gradually assume responsibility for the day-to-day management of the business, ensuring operational excellence whilst delivering sustainable growth.

This role requires a commercially aware and hands-on leader with a proven track record of scaling manufacturing operations, developing high-performing teams, and implementing effective business processes.

The successful candidate will lead by example, inspire confidence throughout the organisation, and bring the vision, discipline, and expertise required to support significant expansion.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute operational strategies to support the business growth plan from £30 million to £50 million turnover.
• Take ownership of day-to-day business operations, working closely alongside the Owner.
• Lead and develop all operational departments including manufacturing, engineering, production, supply chain, quality, logistics, and continuous improvement.
• Drive operational efficiency, productivity, quality standards, and customer satisfaction.
• Implement scalable systems, structures, and processes capable of supporting substantial growth.
• Develop and mentor senior management teams across all areas of the business.
• Champion lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee capacity planning, resource management, investment projects, and operational performance.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, quality, and environmental standards.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the company and play a key role in future succession planning.

The Person

We are seeking an ambitious and highly capable operations leader with a strong engineering and manufacturing background.

You will be able to demonstrate:

• Significant senior leadership experience within engineering, manufacturing, or high-volume production environments.
• A recognised qualification in Engineering, Manufacturing, Production Management, or a related discipline.
• A proven record of successfully scaling businesses and managing periods of rapid growth.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams across manufacturing operations.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance operational performance and profitability.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and people development skills.The ability to influence, motivate, and lead at every level of the organisation.
• A hands-on and pragmatic approach combined with strategic thinking.
• Experience within façade, glazing, fenestration, aluminium systems, building products, or related sectors would be advantageous but is not essential.

What We Offer

• An outstanding career opportunity within a highly successful and growing business.
• A genuine platform to make a significant impact on the future direction of the company.
• Close collaboration with an entrepreneurial and highly respected business owner.
• The opportunity to lead a major growth journey and help build one of the industry's leading organisations.
• Excellent remuneration package with performance-related incentives.
• Long-term career progression opportunities within a thriving business.