At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a growing Medtech manufacturing site, ensuring safety, quality, and operational performance.
- Company: Join an innovative Medtech company focused on growth and excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career advancement in a fast-paced, evolving sector.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the Medtech industry while leading a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in manufacturing leadership, preferably in Medtech.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Role Overview
Aurora Lifesciences are working with an exciting Medtech who are seeking an experienced Site Operations Director to take overall leadership responsibility for a growing UK manufacturing facility.
This is a broad site leadership role with accountability for operations, people, safety, quality, performance, budget and future scale-up .
The successful individual will effectively operate as the General Manager for the site, ensuring that local execution remains aligned with wider corporate objectives.
You will lead the site through a period of continued growth, building the structure, systems and leadership capability required to support increased manufacturing volumes while maintaining high standards of quality, compliance and operational performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Site Leadership
- Take overall accountability for the safe, compliant and effective running of the manufacturing site.
- Set and communicate clear site-level objectives aligned with wider business strategy.
- Act as the primary escalation point for significant operational and site-related issues.
- Create clear accountability across both direct-reporting and matrixed functions.
- Work closely with senior global stakeholders to ensure alignment between corporate strategy and site execution.
- Manufacturing & Operational Performance
- Lead the continued development and scale-up of manufacturing operations.
- Improve throughput, productivity and overall operational efficiency.
- Identify opportunities to reduce waste, cost and operational inefficiencies.
- Develop the site's capacity and infrastructure in line with future commercial demand.
- Drive structured problem-solving and continuous improvement across Operations.
- KPIs & Continuous Improvement
• Establish and own a site-wide performance framework covering
- Safety
- Quality
- Delivery
- Cost
- Productivity
- Operational efficiency
- Build effective reporting and review structures that provide clear visibility of site performance.
- Use data to identify emerging issues, drive corrective actions and improve accountability.
- Embed a culture of continuous improvement throughout the facility.
- Quality & Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure manufacturing operations remain compliant with the company's Quality Management System.
- Maintain a strong level of site audit and inspection readiness.
- Work closely with Quality and Regulatory functions to ensure operational activities support applicable regulatory requirements.
- Ensure employees are appropriately trained and competent against relevant manufacturing and quality standards.
- Support timely resolution of audit findings, corrective actions and compliance issues.
Experience within an
FDA-regulated and ISO 13485 manufacturing environment would be highly advantageous.
- Health, Safety & Environment
- Act as a visible leader for Health, Safety and Environmental performance across the facility.
- Champion a strong safety-first culture across all departments.
- Ensure compliance with applicable UK health and safety requirements.
- Partner closely with the site's EHS function to promote best practice and continuous improvement.
- People Leadership
- Build and develop a high-performing site leadership team.
- Assess existing organisational capability and identify areas requiring development.
- Establish clear communication and operating rhythms across the site.
- Lead workforce planning, organisational design and future headcount requirements.
- Support succession planning and development of future leadership capability.
- Partner closely with HR on culture, engagement and organisational development.
- Financial & Commercial Responsibility
- Own and manage the site's operating budget.
- Lead capital expenditure planning and prioritisation.
- Monitor site financial performance against agreed objectives.
- Identify financial risks, opportunities and efficiency improvements.
- Ensure operational investment supports both current manufacturing requirements and future growth.
- Facilities, Infrastructure & Suppliers
- Own the site's longer-term facilities and infrastructure roadmap.
- Ensure the site has appropriate capacity, equipment and infrastructure to support growth.
• Manage key external suppliers and contractors across areas such as
- Facilities
- Equipment
- IT
- Engineering services
- Site support services
- Ensure supplier performance supports operational reliability and compliance.
Experience Required
- Minimum
10 years' progressive leadership experience within manufacturing or operations.
- At least 5 years in a senior site, plant, operations or general management position.
- Experience working within a Medtech manufacturing environment.
- (Essential)
- Strong experience leading manufacturing operations and operational teams.
- Proven success improving operational performance, productivity and efficiency.
- Experience scaling operations within a growing or changing organisation.
- Strong change management and organisational development capability.
- Experience leading through a matrix structure and influencing functions outside of a direct reporting line.
- Strong financial understanding, including responsibility for operating budgets and capital expenditure.
- Experience managing senior stakeholders and communicating at executive level.
Experience within medical devices manufacturing sector would be highly desirable.
- Technical & Operational Knowledge
- Manufacturing operations
- Process validation
- CAPA
- Change control
- Capacity planning
- Lean manufacturing
- Continuous improvement
- Operational KPIs
- Quality systems
- Regulatory compliance
- Manufacturing scale-up
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Site Operations Director employer: Aurora Lifesciences
As an Operations Director at our regulated manufacturing site, you will be part of a dynamic and supportive work culture that prioritises safety, quality, and continuous improvement. We offer exceptional employee growth opportunities, including leadership development and the chance to shape the future of our operations while working in a collaborative environment. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a role that combines strategic oversight with hands-on leadership in a thriving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Site Operations Director
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Aurora Lifesciences, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Site Operations Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Aurora Lifesciences specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aurora Lifesciences
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Aurora Lifesciences, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Aurora Lifesciences value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
