UK | Dual-site leadership (Wales & Newport Pagnell)
*Read this before you apply*
If you are proud of “how we’ve always done it”, this role is not for you.
If, however, you believe manufacturing and operations should be simpler, smarter and more connected, and you know how to take experienced teams on a journey of transformation at pace, keep reading.
This role requires modern thinking, courage, and the ability to inspire change, not just manage day to day operations.
The Role
As Manufacturing & Operations Director, you will own the end-to-end UK supply chain and in-house manufacturing operations across two sites.
These include a Manufacturing & Distribution site in Wales and a Distribution site in Newport Pagnell.
Working alongside highly experienced Operations and Factory leaders who know the business inside out, you will drive operational excellence across both locations optimising manufacturing performance while ensuring efficient warehousing, logistics, and nationwide distribution.
Your challenge is to redefine how manufacturing and operations support improved growth, margin, service and sustainability, now and for the future.
You will be responsible for:
* Setting and delivering a clear manufacturing & operations strategy aligned to the business vision
* Driving operational excellence through lean thinking, standardisation, automation and capital investment
* Leading cost-out initiatives that improve margin and capability
* Simplifying product and process complexity to unlock scalable, automated production
* Building supply chain resilience and responsible supplier partnerships that support our sustainability ambitions
* Owning a robust, disciplined S&OP process with clear accountability
* Improving OTIF, warehouse efficiency and haulage optimisation
* Leading SKU rationalisation and inventory optimisation
* Championing ERP implementation and digital enablement
* Embedding continuous improvement, root cause thinking and performance transparency
Your leadership will:
* Create a safe, compliant, engaging factory environment with HS&E at its core
* Build a positive, high-accountability culture rooted in trust, integrity and mutual respect, where people feel valued and heard
* Develop talent, succession and future-ready manufacturing capability
* Partner cross-functionally with multiple stakeholders
* Be visible, credible and consistent across every level of the business.
Our Culture
Is shaped by our 4 P’s, Passion, Pace, People and Planet. We believe in bringing energy and creativity to everything we do, delivering results with urgency and focus, treating one another with integrity and respect, and recognising our responsibility to operate sustainably for future generations. Our values guide our decisions, shape our behaviours and define how we grow, together.
Pause. Reflect. Be Honest.
Before you apply, ask yourself:
* Do I energise change, or do I default to control and hierarchy?
* Have I successfully led teams through transformation, not just incremental improvement?
* Can I challenge without losing trust?
* Do I simplify complexity?
* Am I equally comfortable shaping strategy and rolling up my sleeves to deliver it at pace?
* Do people choose to follow me when the journey gets uncomfortable?
If these questions excite you rather than unsettle you, you may be exactly who we are looking for.
Your Experience
You will bring:
* A proven track record of manufacturing and operations transformation
* End-to-end supply chain expertise (planning, procurement, warehousing, logistics)
* Experience delivering system, process and cultural change (ERP, CI, automation)
* Strong influencing, negotiation and stakeholder leadership skills
* A creative, agile, modern leadership style grounded in data and results
Location
Ideally based within commuting distance of Hengoed, Wales, with regular time in Newport Pagnell.
We offer a competitive salary package commensurate with the level of this role, alongside a strong benefits package designed to support your work–life balance and reward your contribution. Further details will be shared during the recruitment process. Please can you forward your CV and current package to Melanie Bassett, HR Director, email address mbassett@igdesigngroup.uk.com