Operations Director

Vickerstock UK; Northern Ireland; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering recruitment firm is seeking an experienced Operations Director in the United Kingdom to lead global manufacturing operations. This senior leadership role emphasizes driving operational excellence and embedding lean principles to achieve cost competitiveness and people development. The successful candidate will ensure on-time delivery while maintaining the highest standards of health, safety, and quality across all operational facets while fostering a high-performing team culture. Strong leadership experience in heavy industrial manufacturing is essential, alongside a relevant degree and Health & Safety certifications.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in high-volume industrial manufacturing.
• Proven track record of transforming operations to World Class Manufacturing standards.
• Strong background in Lean/Continuous Improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Drive growth and profitability in manufacturing operations.
• Lead the strategic development of a global manufacturing footprint.
• Embed Lean Manufacturing practices across all operations.

Skills

Operations Director global manufacturing

Senior leadership

Growth

Lean

Continuous Improvement

Education

University degree in Engineering or related discipline

IOSH qualification in Health & Safety

Tools

ERP systems

MS Office

Job description

Operations Director

Vickerstock are exclusively recruiting for an experienced Operations Director to lead and transform their global manufacturing operations. This is a senior leadership role with full responsibility for driving operational excellence, world‑class manufacturing standards, cost competitiveness, and people development within a full assembly, safety‑critical industrial environment. In this role you will also have oversight of a secondary offshore facility acting as an internal supplier.

You will play a critical role in shaping the future manufacturing footprint, embedding lean principles, accelerating digital adoption, and delivering sustainable profitability over the next five years.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive Growth & Profitability
• Lead the strategic development of the global manufacturing footprint, taking sites to World Class Manufacturing standards
• Optimise production mix and capacity to support business growth and EBITDA objectives
• Embed Lean Manufacturing practices (5S, VSM, TPM, Continuous Improvement) across all operations
• Own conversion cost performance with a strong focus on cost per unit, KPIs, and standardisation
• Develop and manage annual budgets, cost control, and cost‑saving initiatives
• Ensure on‑time delivery of equipment while maintaining the highest standards of Health, Safety, and Quality
• Lead and develop Production Managers and functional leaders to deliver operational and tactical objectives
• Drive labour productivity with an uncompromising focus on quality and safety

Accelerate Digital Transformation

• Champion effective use of ERP / MES systems across manufacturing
• Leverage data insights to drive performance improvements, operational efficiency, and cost reduction

Customer & Market Focus

• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders across Supply, Logistics, Procurement, Finance, EHS, HR, and R&D
• Maintain strong awareness of market conditions, competitors, and customer/dealer priorities
• Translate customer and market needs into operational execution
• Keep teams informed of changing customer requirements to ensure we remain the Customer's First Choice

Empower High‑Performing Team

• Lead by example in Health & Safety, reinforcing a Safety‑First culture
• Role‑model company values: Customer Focus, Innovation, Responsibility, and Curiosity
• Foster a HOT culture – Honest, Open, and Trust‑based
• Develop, mentor, and motivate leaders and teams to achieve their full potential
• Ensure workforce competence and compliance with agreed procedures and standard
• Actively contribute to sustainability initiatives and lead the "sustainability shift" within operation
• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001

Additional Responsibilitie

• Partner with R&D to support the successful introduction of new products into manufacturing

What We're Looking For

• Senior leadership experience in high‑volume, heavy industrial manufacturing
• Proven track record of transforming operations to World Class Manufacturing standards
• Strong background in Lean / Continuous Improvement methodologies
• Demonstrated ability to lead change, improve performance, and deliver results in fast‑paced environments
• Health & Safety leadership at the core of operational decision‑making

Education & Certifications

• University degree in Engineering or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)
• IOSH qualification in Health & Safety

Skills & Competencies

• Strong commercial and financial acumen
• Proficient in ERP systems and MS Office
• Drives culture and performance
• Leads and inspires change
• Empowers people and builds strong teams
• High self‑awareness and credibility at senior level

Skills

Skills: Operations Director global manufacturing senior leadership growth lean continuous improvement

Please contact Darren McVicker or Hugh Nugent in absolute confidence to discuss this opportunity further and request a full job pack. We are scheduling meetings with potential candidates over the next week to explore this position in detail.