Operations Director - Manufacturing Location: South Durham Contract: Full-time, permanent Salary: £80,000 – £100,000 DOE package Hours: Monday to Friday, site-based with flexible start/finish times and early Friday finish. Are you an experienced Senior Leader in Manufacturing & Engineering? Do you have experience in driving performance, safety, lean principles, output, cost, and efficiency? Can you lead people and teams to be the best they can be, to deliver the best results? Are you ready to broaden your experience and become an Operations Director with one of the North East’s most established Engineering businesses? About the Business? We are one of the largest subcontract precision sheet metal fabrication companies in Europe, and a leader in the UK sheet metal fabrication market, serving a very diverse portfolio of customers. We are looking for a future leader who will shape the culture and direction of the business. About the Role We are seeking a commercially aware and operationally focused Operations Director to lead our Durham site. This is a pivotal leadership role in a well-established and growing UK manufacturer. You will oversee site-wide operations, including production, engineering, quality, and support functions. As a key member of the senior leadership team, you will work closely with the Managing Director and Owner to develop and execute strategic plans, drive efficiency, champion safety, and deliver exceptional results across the board. This opportunity would suit a Manufacturing professional who is currently an Operations Manager or Head of Operations in Manufacturing, ready to step up into an Operations Director role, or an established Operations Director who is ambitious and would like to drive the business forward to the next level. Key Responsibilities * Lead all daily operational activities and ensure alignment with business objectives. * Collaborate on a three-year rolling strategic business plan. * Champion health, safety, and environmental compliance. * Oversee quality management systems and continuous improvement. * Monitor financial performance and implement cost-efficiency initiatives. * Support engineering innovation and lean manufacturing processes. * Optimise supply chain and materials purchasing. * Align production capacity with customer demand and sales forecasts. * Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team. * Act as an ambassador for the company with customers, suppliers, and partners. What We’re Looking For * A Senior leader with recent and relevant experience of working in a similar role, within a manufacturing/Engineering environment (essential). * A charismatic leader with clear vision and direction, who will continue to foster and shape a positive working culture. * Demonstratable track record of managing cross-functional teams across HSE, Quality, Engineering, Commercial, and Finance. * Wide knowledge and experience of continuous improvement and lean manufacturing. * Experience within the sheet metal fabrication sector, including exposure to machined and fabricated components (desirable). * Excellent communication, people management, and project leadership skills. * Financially astute with a data-driven approach with previous experience managing a P&L. * Knowledge of ISO standards and modern manufacturing practices. * Degree in Engineering, Business, or related field (Master’s/Lean Six Sigma desirable). Why Join Us? * Competitive salary of £80,000–£100,000 (DOE). * 25 days’ holiday 8 bank holidays. * Flexible working hours early finish on Fridays. * Company pension scheme. * Wellbeing and employee assistance benefits. * Be part of a progressive business with strong market presence. * Working for a business who will champion your growth and development. If you would like to take the next step in your career and make a difference where you will be a valued member of an established business, please apply today. Please note: This is a fully site-based role (5 days/week). Applicants must have the right to work in the UK