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- Tasks: Lead operations and drive efficiency in a growing manufacturing business.
- Company: Dynamic engineering firm focused on precision components and modernisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full P&L responsibility, and high autonomy.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant impact and career growth in a visible role.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a business while leading a major site relocation.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in operations leadership within manufacturing or engineering.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 85000 £ per year.
AtkinsClarke are proud to be supporting a growing, privately backed manufacturing business with the appointment of an Operations Director to lead a recently acquired and evolving operation. This is a hands-on leadership role with full operational and P&L responsibility, playing a critical part in the next phase of growth. A key focus will be leading a major site relocation into a new, state-of-the-art facility while ensuring continuity of production and customer delivery. This role will suit someone who wants genuine ownership, accountability and the opportunity to shape a business.
Our client is a specialist engineering and manufacturing business operating within a highly regulated, quality-critical environment. The organisation supplies precision components into a blue-chip customer base and is now entering a period of investment, modernisation and growth. With strong backing and a clear strategic direction, the focus is on improving operational capability, implementing new systems and building a scalable platform for the future.
As Operations Director, you will take full accountability for the performance of the site, leading operations, people and processes while driving efficiency and continuous improvement. A key element of the role will be managing the successful relocation of the business into a new facility, ensuring minimal disruption and setting the foundation for future growth.
Key responsibilities include:
- Full ownership of site operations, including production, quality, health & safety and performance
- Leading and delivering the relocation to a new manufacturing facility
- Taking P&L responsibility, including cost control, investment decisions and profitability
- Driving operational improvements through structured KPIs, reporting and performance management
- Implementing and embedding Lean, CI and best practice manufacturing processes
- Leading ERP/system improvements and moving away from manual processes
- Managing and developing a small but experienced team, fostering accountability and performance
- Building strong relationships with key customers and ensuring high service levels
- Overseeing capacity planning, resource allocation and operational scalability
- Managing suppliers, subcontractors and third-party providers
This is a highly visible, business-critical role with the opportunity to make a tangible impact quickly.
We’re looking for an experienced and pragmatic operations leader who can balance technical understanding with strong leadership and delivery. You will bring:
- Proven experience in a senior operations leadership role within manufacturing or engineering
- Strong understanding of precision engineering, machining or complex production environments
- Experience working within regulated sectors (e.g. aerospace, automotive or similar)
- A track record of leading change, transformation or site-based improvements
- Experience managing complex operations, ideally including site moves or facility upgrades
- Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills
- A hands-on, solutions-focused approach with the ability to drive accountability
You will be comfortable operating in a smaller, evolving business where visibility is high and leadership is critical.
A rare opportunity to take ownership of a growing manufacturing business and play a key role in its evolution:
- Salary in the region of Up to £85,000
- Full operational and P&L responsibility
- Opportunity to lead a major site relocation and modernisation project
- High level of autonomy and influence within the business
- Exposure to a strong, blue-chip customer base
- Benefits package to be shaped as the business evolves
To apply for this position, please click on the apply now button and your CV will be sent directly to the responsible recruiter. We will respond to successful applicants within 7 days, however, please feel free to get in touch if you would like any further information about your application. At AtkinsClarke, we embrace inclusivity and welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. By applying you will be registered as a candidate with Atkins Clarke Ltd. Our Privacy Policy is available on request and explains how we will use your data.
Operations Director in Dartford employer: AtkinsClarke
Contact Detail:
AtkinsClarke Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director in Dartford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company thoroughly. Understand their operations, recent projects, and challenges they face. This will help us tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in leading their operations into the future.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven change and improved operations in previous roles. We want to highlight your hands-on approach and ability to manage complex operations effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’ll keep you updated on your progress, so you’re never left in the dark about your application status.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director in Dartford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Operations Director role. Highlight your experience in manufacturing and engineering, especially any hands-on leadership roles you've had. We want to see how your skills align with the job description!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; show us what you’ve achieved! Use specific examples of how you’ve driven operational improvements or led successful projects. Numbers and results can really make your application stand out.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story. Explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm for the position and the company!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures it gets to the right people quickly. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at AtkinsClarke
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's operations. Understand their production processes, quality control measures, and how they manage P&L. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare for Change Management Questions
Given the focus on relocation and transformation, be ready to discuss your experience with change management. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led site moves or implemented new systems in the past, highlighting the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a hands-on leader, it's crucial to convey your leadership style during the interview. Think about how you foster accountability and performance within your team. Be prepared to share anecdotes that illustrate your approach to managing and developing people.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
The role requires driving operational improvements, so come armed with ideas on Lean practices and continuous improvement strategies. Discuss how you've implemented these in previous roles and the tangible results they achieved, showing that you can bring this mindset to the new facility.