Operations Director in Cambridge

AGFA DPS is a division of the Agfa‑Gevaert Group, headquartered in Mortsel, Belgium, and is listed on Euronext Brussels (AGFB). Building on Agfa’s longstanding expertise in chemistry and deep knowledge of the Graphics industry, our Digital Printing Solutions business (DPS) has a leading position in inkjet printing. We provide sign & display and packaging companies with a range of productive yet versatile wide‑format inkjet printers and inks that are powered by dedicated workflow software. In addition, we are providing and developing solutions for laminate, leather and other decorative applications as well as designing high performance inkjet inks for industrial applications. All of this is underpinned by a strong IP portfolio and a wealth of human expertise.

Following strong growth in recent years, we are looking for an Operations Director to lead our Cambridge operations and play a key role in shaping and optimizing our global operations for the next phase of growth.

Job Purpose

The Operations Director is responsible for the production, product quality and materials management to ensure the facility delivers equipment and projects on time at the agreed cost. This critical role is responsible for managing the systems and supply chain/logistics/production processes as well as driving Operational excellence into the organization. The role oversees and maintains the existing manufacturing processes, helping the business excel in modern manufacturing methods, techniques, policies, procedures, and plays a vital role in Agfa’s growth strategy. It incorporates organization‑wide operational safety, regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and cost control policies and programs into manufacturing processes. As part of an international organization, the role is also responsible for introducing new products and optimizing the supply chain with sub‑contracting modules to an international and inter‑company supply chain and involves travel to ensure a smooth transition from development to full production implementation. The role will also be responsible for working in cross‑functional teams across the organization and having in place metrics to report performance and improvements at a local site and on group level.

Key Responsibilities

• Promotes a strong culture of H&S, champion and support the 5S initiative, and ensure Production areas comply with company policies.
• Oversees the production plans and material schedules for the product lines to support the company’s production objectives.
• Directs staff and resources to meet production goals while adhering to Safety, Quality standards and production schedule.
• Procurement – Manage the supply chain issue, attend supplier reviews, deal with local negotiations and material management issues.
• Materials management – Oversee the stores and logistics functions.
• Manage the inventory and working capital in line with the business requirement and product requirements.
• Leads, designs, implements Lean Manufacturing and Continuous improvement strategies, and best practices for Product and Process improvements, thereby improving Operational performance.
• Effectively and efficiently manages the production of the required daily/weekly/monthly targets in line with customer expectations, meeting quality and delivery expectations, minimizing costs and ensuring the required best working practices are always maintained.
• Sets department objectives/KPIs, review and assess the ongoing performance of manufacturing and the operations team.
• Manages and plans production, attends daily, weekly, monthly meetings to ensure resource, available, trained and directed as appropriate across the product line.
• Drives continuous improvement across the operations function and site.
• Maintains the strategic direction of the site and ensures the technology activities can be converted into prototype, projects, and products as their various stages.
• Provides leadership support to supply chain programs focusing on outsourcing and reducing product costs, improving product reliability, whilst improving the build time and Right First Time (Quality) rates for parts/assemblies used by the business.

The Person

You are a strategic operator with hands‑on leadership experience in complex manufacturing environments. Proven experience (10+ years) in operations leadership within the printing, industrial equipment, or related sectors. Knowledge of safety standards and electrical principles. Also, understand production processes, quality control, costs, modern manufacturing principles, subcontracting/outsourcing and other techniques for maximizing the effective materials management, cost management, manufacture and distribution of goods. Critical Thinker – Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. Commercially astute, with strong financial and analytical capabilities. Change management skills are required to help improving and adapting the business in a rapid changing environment. An action‑oriented mindset, always willing to take a lead with effective time management to meet deadlines. Lead by example to promote high standards and behaviour expected from co‑workers and other team members. Excellent verbal/written and interpersonal skills, ability to act as a change agent and adapt to changing business and organisational dynamics. Work closely together with internal departments (like R&D, global supply chain, finance) as well as external partners (subcontractors, suppliers, other Agfa sites,…). Comfortable operating in a global organisation and multicultural environment.