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- Tasks: Lead operations in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, driving performance and optimising processes.
- Company: Join a dynamic SME in Derby, focused on manufacturing and MRO sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative culture with opportunities for real impact and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a growing business while fostering a positive, high-performance team culture.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in SME manufacturing, strong MRP/ERP experience, and excellent people skills required.
- Other info: Ideal for those who thrive in customer-driven environments and seek to drive continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Are you a hands-on Operations Director with a passion for driving operational excellence in a fast-moving SME manufacturing environment? We’re looking for an exceptional leader to join our Derby-based team, operating in the Manufacturing and MRO sector.
About the Role
Reporting directly to the MD, you’ll lead all aspects of operations across a complex, multi-process manufacturing environment. From supply chain to production, planning to logistics, you’ll have the opportunity to shape the future of a growing business. This role needs a mix of strategic thinking and operational “boots on the ground” leadership — someone who can balance data-driven decision making with strong people skills.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead and develop the Operations, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing teams
• Drive operational performance across safety, quality, delivery, and cost
• Optimise planning and scheduling processes using MRP systems
• Strengthen supply chain resilience and supplier performance
• Champion Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
• Lead cross-functional problem solving using data and root cause analysis
• Foster a positive, high-performance culture built on trust, accountability, and development
About You
• Proven Operations leadership in SME manufacturing (MRO sector desirable)
• Strong MRP / ERP systems experience
• Excellent supply chain knowledge across sourcing, procurement & planning
• Analytical mindset with a passion for process improvement
• High emotional intelligence with exceptional people leadership skills
• Lean/CI toolkit knowledge and hands-on experience
• Comfortable in a multi-process, customer-driven environment
• Resilient, adaptable, and solutions-focused
Why Join Us
• Dynamic SME culture – ability to make real impact
• Collaborative leadership team
• Opportunity to shape operational strategy
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Operations Director employer: Zenoot Ltd
Contact Detail:
Zenoot Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've implemented these strategies in previous roles will demonstrate your hands-on experience and align with our focus on operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership style by preparing to discuss how you've developed teams in the past. We value high emotional intelligence, so think about instances where you've fostered a positive culture or resolved conflicts effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your knowledge of MRP and ERP systems, as well as supply chain management. Be ready to share insights on how you've optimised planning and scheduling processes in your previous roles, as this is crucial for the Operations Director position.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your analytical mindset and problem-solving skills. Think of specific challenges you've faced in a multi-process environment and how you used data-driven decision-making to overcome them, as this will resonate with our need for strategic thinking.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in operations leadership, particularly in SME manufacturing. Emphasise your achievements in driving operational performance and any relevant MRP/ERP systems experience.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for operational excellence and how your leadership style aligns with the company's values. Mention specific examples of how you've implemented Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement initiatives in previous roles.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since the role requires an analytical mindset, include examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to use data for decision-making and problem-solving. Highlight any experience with root cause analysis and cross-functional collaboration.
Highlight People Leadership: Given the importance of strong people skills in this role, make sure to illustrate your emotional intelligence and ability to foster a positive culture. Share anecdotes that showcase your success in developing teams and driving accountability.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zenoot Ltd
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous roles in operations leadership, particularly in SME manufacturing. Highlight specific examples where you successfully led teams and drove operational excellence.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
Since the role requires an analytical mindset, come ready to discuss how you've used data-driven decision-making in past positions. Share instances where your analysis led to significant improvements in processes or performance.
✨Emphasise Your Lean Manufacturing Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with Lean principles and be ready to explain how you've implemented these strategies in previous roles. Discuss any continuous improvement initiatives you've championed and their outcomes.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in a multi-process environment. Think of scenarios where you've had to balance operational challenges with people management, and be ready to share your thought process and solutions.
