Operations Director - East Midlands
10 April, 2026 SHARE
This is a well-established, well-invested, privately owned business with a strong reputation, a diverse customer base, and the capability to deliver both high-volume and highly bespoke work.
The foundations are solid.
The order book is strong.
The opportunity for growth is real.
But here’s the key point —
this is not a turnaround. Nothing is broken.
This is about taking a good business and making it significantly better.
The Opportunity
They are now looking to appoint an Operations Director to take ownership of the operational engine and help unlock the next phase of growth.
This role spans the full operational value stream, from upstream planning and purchasing through to production and delivery.
It’s about:
* Moving from reactive to proactive operations
* Improving workflow, planning and scheduling discipline
* Driving accountability and performance across teams
* Ensuring strong order intake converts into efficient, consistent output
There is significant headroom in the current operation.
The Environment
* Circa 100 employees, with clear growth ambition
* Fast-paced, high-mix manufacturing
* Loyal, experienced workforce
* Owner-led, with a desire to move toward a more scalable and delegated model
This is a business that has grown well — but now needs stronger operational leadership to scale properly.
The Role
This is about connecting the dots.
Aligning operations with commercial success.
Creating structure without overcomplicating.
Improving performance without losing what already works.
You’ll need to:
* Bring clarity, rhythm and control to the operation
* Strengthen leadership capability beneath you
* Introduce a more forward-looking, planned approach
* Drive measurable improvements in utilisation, delivery and efficiency
The Person
You’ll likely:
* Have operated at senior level in a complex manufacturing environment
* Understand high‑mix / contract manufacturing
* Have experience improving planning, scheduling and workflow
* Be comfortable in a privately owned, hands‑on business
* Be able to challenge, influence and build trust quickly
This is not a role for:
* Someone stepping up for the first time
* A purely corporate operator
* Or someone who avoids difficult conversations
Emotional intelligence matters as much as technical capability.
Why Consider It
* Genuine opportunity to shape and influence a growing business
* Broad remit with real visibility and impact
* Strong foundations already in place
* A business that is ready — but needs the right leadership to unlock it
Location
East Midlands (with an expectation of being on‑site and visible)
Interested?
For a confidential discussion, please:
Send your CV to cv@wilsonbrook.com
All conversations handled with complete discretion.
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