Operations Director – Manufacturing
Job Title: Operations Director - Manufacturing
Location: Yorkshire
Salary: £90,000 – £110,000 + bonus + benefits
Our client is seeking an experienced and commercially focused Operations Director to join a well-established, market-leading manufacturer supplying premium products to customers across the UK and international markets.
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, the successful candidate will take responsibility for the overall operational performance of the business, ensuring efficiency, quality, innovation and sustainable growth. This is a high-profile leadership role requiring an individual who can balance strategic planning with hands-on operational leadership.
The position offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future direction of a highly respected organisation operating within a design-led manufacturing environment.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement the operational strategy to support the organisation’s long-term growth plans and commercial objectives.
- Operational Excellence: Lead manufacturing, production planning, procurement, warehousing and distribution functions to ensure operational efficiency and exceptional service levels.
- Supply Chain Management: Build resilient supplier relationships while improving lead times, reducing costs and maintaining the highest quality standards.
- Continuous Improvement: Introduce lean methodologies, automation initiatives and process improvements to enhance productivity and profitability.
- Quality Management: Ensure products consistently meet customer expectations and regulatory standards while maintaining a strong focus on continuous improvement.
- Financial Performance: Manage budgets, capital expenditure and operational performance metrics to deliver agreed targets.
- People Leadership: Recruit, develop and mentor high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and innovation.
- Health, Safety and Compliance: Maintain the highest standards across all operational activities while ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and industry standards.
- Customer and Stakeholder Engagement: Work closely with customers, suppliers and senior leadership teams to strengthen relationships and support future growth.
Essential Experience
- Leadership Experience: A proven track record in senior operational leadership roles, including Operations Director, Head of Operations, Managing Director or General Manager positions.
- Manufacturing Background: Significant experience gained within manufacturing environments, ideally within home furnishings, interior products, technical fabrics, soft furnishings or other design-led industries.
- Operational Expertise: Extensive experience overseeing production, planning, procurement, supply chain management, warehousing and logistics functions.
- Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of financial management, budgeting, forecasting and margin improvement initiatives.
- Continuous Improvement: Demonstrable experience implementing lean manufacturing principles and driving operational efficiencies.
- People Management: A history of successfully leading and developing multidisciplinary teams within a fast-paced environment.
- Stakeholder Management: Experience working closely with boards, investors, customers and suppliers to achieve strategic objectives.
- Change Management: Proven ability to lead transformation programmes, implement new systems and support business growth.
Benefits
- £90,000–£110,000 basic salary
- Performance-related bonus
- Car allowance
- Pension scheme
- Private healthcare
- Life assurance
- Flexible benefits package
If you are an experienced operational leader looking for an opportunity to make a significant impact within a growing and ambitious organisation, we would welcome a confidential discussion.