Operations Director in Exeter

Cloud 9 Leadership Select is a Leadership and Executive Search consultancy specialising in Packaging, Automation, Renewables, FMCG, Manufacturing across the UK and Europe. Since 2007, we have partnered with clients to deliver tailored senior-level appointments. We go beyond traditional Executive Search by offering in-house Skills and Psychometric Assessments to enhance hiring and workforce planning.

This is a significant appointment with a major global player in the packaging sector. The business is entering an important phase of growth, investment and operational development. They are now looking for a commercially minded, people-focused Operations Director who can lead from the front, assess current capability, maximise existing assets and help shape the future operational strategy for the next 5 to 10 years.

This is not a “steady-state” operations role. It needs someone who can bring structure, pace, clarity, engage teams, build trust, improve performance and lead positive change in a practical, credible way.

The Role

• You will take overall responsibility for operations across two manufacturing sites, covering production, planning, engineering and distribution.
• Working as part of the senior leadership team, you will be responsible for improving performance, strengthening operational discipline and ensuring the sites are set up for future growth.
• A key part of the role will be reviewing current machinery, site capability and operational flow, then advising on the best route forward for future investment, including machinery, CAPEX and long-term manufacturing strategy.
• You will also lead continuous improvement activity, drive efficiency, improve OEE, support safety and quality standards, and create a culture where people are engaged, accountable and clear on what good looks like.

What We Need

• This role needs a proven senior operations leader from the packaging sector.
• You must have successfully led change in a manufacturing environment and be able to demonstrate where you have improved performance, developed teams and delivered operational transformation.
• You will need to be comfortable operating strategically, but also visible and hands-on when required. This is a 100% site-based role, so presence, leadership and credibility on site will matter.

Key Priorities

• Lead operations across two packaging manufacturing sites
• Maximise existing machinery, assets and site capability
• Shape future investment plans, including machinery
• Improve operational performance, efficiency, OEE and productivity
• Lead successful change management across the sites
• Engage and develop teams through clear, visible leadership
• Strengthen planning, engineering, production and distribution performance
• Support a positive, safe and accountable site culture
• Contribute to the wider growth strategy of the business

What You’ll Bring

• Senior operations leadership experience within packaging manufacturing
• A proven track record of successful change management
• Strong manufacturing, engineering and continuous improvement knowledge
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary operational teams
• Commercial awareness and the ability to make sound investment decisions
• Strong people leadership, coaching and engagement skills
• Confidence working with senior stakeholders and site leadership teams
• A practical, resilient and solutions-focused approach

Why This Role?

This is a rare opportunity to join a global packaging business at a pivotal stage of growth and investment. You will have the autonomy to influence operational direction, assess future capability and play a key role in shaping how the sites develop over the coming years. There is a highly attractive package available, including relocation support for the right person. For an operations leader who wants impact, autonomy and a lifestyle move to the South West, this is a standout opportunity.

Retained Search Partnership

Cloud 9 is acting as the Retained Recruitment Partner for this Assignment. All applications, approaches and enquiries relating to this opportunity must be made directly to Yvonne Redhead at Cloud 9 to be considered for this opportunity. All conversations will be handled with complete discretion and confidentiality. If you have not been invited for an interview within 7 days of applying, please assume that your application has not been successful.

Application Deadline: 8th June 2026