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- Tasks: Lead operational strategy and drive excellence across manufacturing and supply chain.
- Company: Join a dynamic gifting company focused on innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Excellent salary package, career development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team that values continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by transforming operations with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in operations and experience with automation and systems.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About the Role: As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Operations Director will define and deliver the operational strategy in line with the company’s growth plans and long-term vision. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for driving operational excellence across manufacturing, planning, warehousing, systems, and supply chain functions. The successful candidate will ensure the business operates efficiently, safely, and profitably while remaining scalable, agile, and future-ready. A key focus of the role is leading operational transformation, including automation, systems development, and the digitisation of operations through Industry 4.0 principles and real-time, data-led decision-making.
Key Responsibilities:
- Shape and deliver the operational strategy alongside the Managing Director and Senior Leadership Team
- Translate business strategy into a clear operational roadmap across all functions
- Lead and develop a high-performing operations leadership team
- Drive operational performance across cost, quality, service, efficiency, and delivery
- Champion continuous improvement and operational excellence culture
- Lead automation, systems development, and digital transformation initiatives
- Oversee manufacturing capacity, planning, warehousing, and supply chain performance
- Ensure robust budgeting, forecasting, and operational cost control
- Build data-led performance reporting and KPI governance frameworks
- Develop capability, succession planning, and workforce engagement
- Ensure compliance, safety, sustainability, and risk management standards are met
Person Specification:
Experience and Skills:
- Proven senior operations leadership experience in manufacturing or complex operational environments
- Strong track record of delivering operational strategy aligned to business growth
- Experience leading transformation, automation, or systems implementation
- Strong financial and commercial acumen, including budgeting and forecasting
- Data-driven approach to decision-making and performance management
- Experience with Microsoft Dynamics Business Central or similar systems (desirable)
- Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
Personal Attributes:
- Strategic, calm, and decisive under pressure
- Inspirational and collaborative leadership style
- Commercially astute with strong judgement
- Highly organised, proactive, and delivery-focused
- Passionate about operational excellence and developing people
Sector: Gifting
Salary: Excellent Package DOE
Operations Director in Crawley employer: Cavendish Maine
Contact Detail:
Cavendish Maine Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director in Crawley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for an Operations Director role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a great opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company’s operational strategies and recent transformations. Show us you’re not just a fit for the role, but that you’re genuinely interested in how they operate and grow.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've driven operational excellence and led teams through change. We want to hear about your successes and how you can bring that to our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director in Crawley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Operations Director role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant operational strategies you've successfully implemented.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; focus on what you’ve achieved in previous roles. Use metrics and examples to demonstrate how you’ve driven operational excellence and transformation in past positions.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We want to see your personality shine through, so let your passion for operational excellence come across!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures that your application is received promptly and allows us to process it efficiently. Plus, it’s a great way to show your enthusiasm for joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cavendish Maine
✨Know Your Operational Strategy
Before the interview, make sure you understand the company's operational strategy and how it aligns with their growth plans. Be ready to discuss how your experience in leading operational transformations can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As an Operations Director, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples that highlight your inspirational and collaborative approach. Think about times when you've successfully led a team through change or improvement initiatives.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since the role emphasises a data-led decision-making approach, come prepared with examples of how you've used data to drive performance improvements. Discuss specific KPIs you've implemented and how they impacted operational efficiency.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills under pressure. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles, particularly in manufacturing or complex environments, and how you navigated them successfully.