Interim Transformation & Turnaround Director
Location: UK – Midlands Based
Start Date: Immediate
Contract Type: Interim
Day Rate: Up to £850 per day (DOE)
Overview
We are seeking a highly experienced Interim Transformation & Turnaround Director to join a large-scale machinery manufacturing organisation at a critical stage of its operational improvement journey. This is a hands‑on role, requiring a strong leader who can rapidly assess, stabilise, and transform manufacturing performance. You will lead from the front, working directly with operational teams to deliver sustainable improvements in productivity, efficiency, and culture.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead end‑to‑end turnaround of manufacturing operations, driving immediate and sustainable performance improvements
* Conduct rapid diagnostics of current operations, identifying inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities
* Implement Lean manufacturing principles, continuous improvement frameworks, and best practice methodologies
* Deliver measurable improvements in:
o Productivity
o Throughput
o Quality
o Cost efficiency
* Drive operational discipline through KPIs, data visibility, and performance management systems
* Work closely with leadership teams to align transformation initiatives with overall business objectives
* Develop and embed continuous improvement culture across production teams
* Act as a visible and credible leader on the factory floor, ensuring engagement at all levels
* Coach and develop site leadership and frontline managers to sustain improvements beyond the interim period
Leadership & Culture
* Act as a strong people leader, building trust and credibility quickly
* Take employees on an clear and engaging transformation journey, ensuring buy‑in at all levels
* Communicate vision, progress, and expectations effectively across the organisation
* Foster a high‑performance, accountable, and collaborative culture
* Manage change sensitively, balancing pace with engagement
Key Requirements
* Proven track record as an Interim Transformation / Turnaround Director (or similar senior role) within manufacturing
* Significant experience in large machinery, heavy engineering, or industrial environments
* Deep expertise in:
o Lean manufacturing (e.g. Six Sigma, Kaizen, TPM, etc.)
o Operational turnaround and restructuring
o Productivity improvement programmes
* Demonstrable success in delivering measurable operational improvements under pressure
* Strong factory floor presence, comfortable operating at both strategic and hands‑on levels
* Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at Board and operational levels
* A pragmatic, delivery‑focused mindset with a strong sense of urgency
Personal Attributes
* Credible, resilient, and results‑driven
* Highly visible and hands‑on leadership style
* Strong communicator with the ability to inspire and motivate teams
* Commercially astute with a focus on tangible outcomes
* Able to challenge constructively and drive accountability
Why This Role?
This is a critical opportunity to make a significant and lasting impact within a major manufacturing operation. You will play a central role in shaping performance, culture, and future success.
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