Operations Director
Executive Level Package
Vickerstock are exclusively recruiting for an experienced Operations Director to lead and transform their global manufacturing operations. This is a senior leadership role with full responsibility for driving operational excellence, world-class manufacturing standards, cost competitiveness, and people development within a full assembly, safety-critical industrial environment. In this role you will also have oversight of a secondary offshore facility acting as an internal supplier.
You will play a critical role in shaping the future manufacturing footprint, embedding lean principles, accelerating digital adoption, and delivering sustainable profitability over the next five years.
Key Responsibilities
* Drive Growth & Profitability
* Lead the strategic development of the global manufacturing footprint, taking sites to World Class Manufacturing standards
* Optimise production mix and capacity to support business growth and EBITDA objectives
* Embed Lean Manufacturing practices (5S, VSM, TPM, Continuous Improvement) across all operations
* Own conversion cost performance with a strong focus on cost per unit, KPIs, and standardisation
* Develop and manage annual budgets, cost control, and cost-saving initiatives
* Ensure on-time delivery of equipment while maintaining the highest standards of Health, Safety, and Quality
* Lead and develop Production Managers and functional leaders to deliver operational and tactical objectives
* Drive labour productivity with an uncompromising focus on quality and safety
Accelerate Digital Transformation
* Champion effective use of ERP / MES systems across manufacturing
* Leverage data insights to drive performance improvements, operational efficiency, and cost reduction
Customer & Market Focus
* Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders across Supply, Logistics, Procurement, Finance, EHS, HR, and R&D
* Maintain strong awareness of market conditions, competitors, and customer/dealer priorities
* Translate customer and market needs into operational execution
* Keep teams informed of changing customer requirements to ensure we remain the Customer’s First Choice
Empower High-Performing Team
* Lead by example in Health & Safety, reinforcing a Safety-First cultur
* Role-model company values: Customer Focus, Innovation, Responsibility, and Curiosit
* Foster a HOT culture – Honest, Open, and Trust-base
* Develop, mentor, and motivate leaders and teams to achieve their full potential
* Ensure workforce competence and compliance with agreed procedures and standard
* Actively contribute to sustainability initiatives and lead the “sustainability shift” within operation
* Ensure compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001
Additional Responsibilitie
* Partner with R&D to support the successful introduction of new products into manufacturing
What We’re Looking For
* Senior leadership experience in high-volume, heavy industrial manufacturing
* Proven track record of transforming operations to World Class Manufacturing standards
* Strong background in Lean / Continuous Improvement methodologies
* Demonstrated ability to lead change, improve performance, and deliver results in fast-paced environments
* Health & Safety leadership at the core of operational decision-making
Education & Certifications
* University degree in Engineering or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)
* IOSH qualification in Health & Safety
Skills & Competencies
* Strong commercial and financial acumen
* Proficient in ERP systems and MS Office
* Drives culture and performance
* Leads and inspires change
* Empowers people and builds strong teams
* High self-awareness and credibility at senior level
Please contact Darren McVicker or Hugh Nugent in absolute confidence to discuss this opportunity further and request a full job pack. We are scheduling meetings with potential candidates over the next week to explore this position in detail.