Operations Director
Location: Gateshead / Stanley - Dual Site
Job Type: Full-time / PermanentIn this influential leadership role, you'll oversee and elevate operations spanning manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, quality, and health & safety. Your strategic vision and operational expertise will be vital in streamlining processes, boosting efficiency, and delivering sustainable, profitable growth. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of our operations while aligning closely with the company's long-term goals.
Day-to-day of the role:
Strategic Management:
Design and implement long-term operational strategies that align with overarching business objectives and drive sustainable growth.
Lead cross-functional initiatives aimed at boosting productivity and reducing operational costs across the organisation.
Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction, ensuring continuous improvement.
Leadership:
Drive strategic initiatives that enhance growth, profitability, and long-term operational resilience.
Lead daily operations across multiple production sites, ensuring optimal performance, efficiency, and output.
Manage capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with strategic priorities.
Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) to the Board, providing insights that support informed, strategic decision-making.
Financial Oversight:
Analyse cost structures and identify opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies across the business.
Develop, manage, and optimise the operational budget, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and financial targets.
Manufacturing Oversight:
Optimise plant operations by streamlining scheduling, maintenance, and resource allocation to maximise uptime and throughput.
Oversee key manufacturing processes, including extrusion, injection moulding, thermoforming, and/or blow moulding, ensuring efficiency and quality across all production lines.
Supply Chain & Logistics:
Develop and maintain strong partnerships with suppliers and logistics providers to ensure reliability, cost-effectiveness, and service excellence.
Streamline procurement, inventory, and distribution processes to improve supply chain efficiency and support seamless operational flow.
Quality Assurance:
Lead quality and sustainability initiatives focused on enhancing product consistency, reducing waste, and driving continuous improvement.
Ensure full compliance with ISO standards, environmental regulations, BRC requirements, and health & safety protocols across all operations.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
Bring a minimum of 5 years' experience in a senior leadership role, ideally within the packaging / FMCG industry or a closely related manufacturing sector.
Demonstrate strong expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma methodologies, and ERP systems to drive operational excellence.
Showcase exceptional leadership, communication, and analytical problem-solving skills, with a proven ability to lead high-performing teams.
Proven track record of managing multi-site operations, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and strategic alignment across locations