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- Tasks: Lead operations in a dynamic SME manufacturing environment, driving performance and continuous improvement.
- Company: Join 1492 Search, a recruitment firm dedicated to the manufacturing and engineering sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, collaborative culture, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape operational strategy while fostering a positive, high-performance culture.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in SME manufacturing, strong MRP/ERP experience, and excellent people skills required.
- Other info: We value diversity and aim to respond to all applications within two working days.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: Derby
Sector: Manufacturing / MRO
Salary: Competitive + Benefits
Are you a hands-on Operations Director with a passion for driving operational excellence in a fast-moving SME manufacturing environment? We're looking for an exceptional leader to join our Derby-based team, operating in the Manufacturing and MRO sector.
About the Role:
Reporting directly to the MD, you’ll lead all aspects of operations across a complex, multi-process manufacturing environment. From supply chain to production, planning to logistics, you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of a growing business. This role needs a mix of strategic thinking and operational "boots on the ground" leadership — someone who can balance data-driven decision making with strong people skills.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and develop the Operations, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing teams
- Drive operational performance across safety, quality, delivery, and cost
- Optimise planning and scheduling processes using MRP systems
- Strengthen supply chain resilience and supplier performance
- Champion Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
- Lead cross-functional problem solving using data and root cause analysis
- Foster a positive, high-performance culture built on trust, accountability, and development
About You:
- Proven Operations leadership in SME manufacturing (MRO sector desirable)
- Strong MRP / ERP systems experience
- Excellent supply chain knowledge across sourcing, procurement & planning
- Analytical mindset with a passion for process improvement
- High emotional intelligence with exceptional people leadership skills
- Lean/CI toolkit knowledge and hands-on experience
- Comfortable in a multi-process, customer-driven environment
- Resilient, adaptable, and solutions-focused
Why Join Us?
- Dynamic SME culture – ability to make real impact
- Collaborative leadership team
- Opportunity to shape operational strategy
If you’re ready to lead from the front, drive change, and develop people while delivering operational excellence — we’d love to hear from you.
Operations Director - SME Manufacturing employer: CV-Library
Contact Detail:
CV-Library Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director - SME Manufacturing
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in SME manufacturing and MRO sectors. Understanding the current challenges and innovations can help you speak confidently about how you can drive operational excellence during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the manufacturing industry, especially those who have experience in operations leadership. Engaging in conversations can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully implemented Lean manufacturing principles or continuous improvement initiatives in your previous roles. Being able to share these stories will demonstrate your hands-on experience and strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company culture at StudySmarter and align your leadership style with their values. Showing that you understand and can contribute to their collaborative environment will make you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director - SME Manufacturing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in operations leadership, particularly in SME manufacturing. Emphasise your knowledge of MRP/ERP systems and any relevant achievements in supply chain management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for operational excellence and your hands-on leadership style. Mention specific examples of how you've driven performance improvements and fostered a positive culture in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your analytical mindset, emotional intelligence, and experience with Lean manufacturing. These are key attributes the company is looking for, so make them stand out.
Showcase Problem-Solving Experience: Provide examples of cross-functional problem-solving you've led, especially those involving data analysis and root cause identification. This will demonstrate your ability to tackle challenges in a multi-process environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at CV-Library
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As an Operations Director, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you lead teams, foster a positive culture, and drive performance. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate your approach.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
This role requires a strong analytical mindset. Be ready to talk about how you've used data to make decisions, optimise processes, or solve problems in previous roles. Highlight any experience with MRP/ERP systems and how they contributed to operational success.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement are key aspects of this position. Prepare to discuss initiatives you've led or been part of that improved efficiency or quality. Share metrics or outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about challenges you've faced in multi-process environments and how you approached them. This will demonstrate your resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced setting.
