Operations Director

AGFA DPS is a division of the Agfa-Gevaert Group, headquartered in Mortsel, Belgium. 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.

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.

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.
• Manage the supply chain issue, attend supplier reviews, deal with local negotiations and material management issues.
• 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.
• Effectively and efficiently manages the production of the required daily/weekly/monthly targets in line with customer expectations.
• Sets department objectives/KPIs, review and assess the ongoing performance of manufacturing and the operations team.
• Drives continuous improvement across the operations function and site.
• Provides leadership support to supply chain programs focusing on outsourcing and reducing product costs.

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. Critical Thinker - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions. Commercially astute, with strong financial and analytical capabilities. Change management skills are required to help improving and adapting the business in a rapidly changing environment.

Excellent verbal/written and interpersonal skills, ability to act as a change agent and adapt to changing business and organizational dynamics. Comfortable operating in a global organization and multicultural environment.