Operations Director - Manufacturing

VIADER Vineyards & Winery; Alfreton CP; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturer in mobility solutions is seeking an Operations Director to drive transformative changes across its operational functions. This pivotal role involves strategic leadership in manufacturing, engineering, and sales operations, emphasizing continuous improvement and operational excellence. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in manufacturing leadership, lean methodologies, and a passion for team development.

Benefits

26 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Life Insurance

Private Health Care

Profit Related Pay

5% employer pension contribution

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• 8-10+ years' leadership experience in manufacturing or production operations.
• Deep understanding of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Commercially astute with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.

Responsibilities

• Drive high performance and collaboration across operations.
• Manage growth across international operations.
• Ensure profitability during rapid business expansion.

Skills

Leadership

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Improvement

Cross-Functional Management

Data-Driven Decision Making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics

Job description

Location: Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 7JR

Salary: Very competitive DOE + Car Allowance + Management Bonus Scheme

Contract: Full Time, Permanent

Hours: Monday to Friday

Benefits: 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, Life Insurance, Private Health Care, Profit Related Pay, 5% employer pension contribution, Employee Assistance Programme, and more.

Are you a visionary and enterprise-driven leader with a passion for operational transformation and continuous improvement

Are you ready to drive Operational Excellence in a Purpose-Led Manufacturing Business

Autochair is a market-leading manufacturer of life-changing mobility solutions!

As our business scales, we are looking for a dynamic and strategic Operations Director to lead our Manufacturing, Engineering, HSEQ & BI, and Sales Operations teams into the next phase of growth.

This is a rare opportunity to shape and optimise our operational model, deliver meaningful change, and empower high-performing teams all while keeping safety, quality, and customer satisfaction at the heart of everything we do.

You will report directly to the Managing Director and take full ownership of our operational performance across departments, ensuring we're ready to meet increasing demand both in the UK and internationally.

As Our Operations Director You'll Be Responsible For

• Providing strong, strategic leadership across operational functions to drive high performance and collaboration.
• Championing a proactive Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality culture.
• Maintaining profitability during rapid business expansion.
• Using data-driven KPIs and metrics to guide planning and decision-making.
• Driving lean manufacturing and operational efficiency.
• Leading and developing the Engineering function.
• Managing growth across our international operations.
• Implementing effective production workflows to boost productivity and minimise waste.
• Taking ownership of the post-sales process to enhance cross-team collaboration and service delivery.
• Identifying cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality.
• Embedding a culture of continuous improvement across all teams.
• Championing a zero-defect mindset to improve overall quality standards.
  
  

About You - What We're Looking For

You're a hands-on, inspirational leader with a proven ability to scale operations and drive results in fast-paced manufacturing environments.

You lead by example, bring clarity to complex situations, and thrive in high-performance cultures.

Essential Skills & Experience

• 8-10+ years' progressive leadership experience in manufacturing or production operations.
• Proven track record in business operations and cross-functional management.
• Deep understanding of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Commercially astute with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems - ideally Microsoft Dynamics.
• Strong knowledge of inventory, supply chain, and workflow optimisation.
• International operations management experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related discipline.
  
  

Your Leadership Style

• Collaborative, people-focused, and inspirational.
• Strategic and data-led with a practical, results-driven mindset.
• Strong communicator and cross-functional influencer.
• Skilled in leading change and holding teams accountable to high standards.
  
  

Why Join Autochair

We're a values-led, forward-thinking business that's changing lives through innovation. You'll have the opportunity to directly influence how our company grows while being part of a collaborative team that genuinely cares.

If you're ready to take the lead in a growing, purpose-driven organisation we'd love to hear from you!

Apply Now

Submit your CV today to start a conversation about your future with Autochair.

No agencies, please.