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- Tasks: Lead operations in a dynamic, project-driven environment, ensuring timely delivery and performance improvements.
- Company: Confidential client in West Yorkshire with a focus on engineered-to-order manufacturing.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate of £650-800, outside IR35, with immediate start preferred.
- Other info: Hands-on leadership role with opportunities for immediate impact and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact by driving operational excellence and inspiring teams on the shop floor.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in operations leadership within project-based manufacturing; engineering qualifications preferred.
The predicted salary is between 130000 - 156000 £ per year.
Our Client based in West Yorkshire is seeking an experienced Interim Operations Director to provide hands-on leadership within a project-led, engineered to order environment. This role will take full responsibility for operational performance, ensuring seamless commercial flow from sales handover through programme delivery, production and final delivery.
This is a critical appointment requiring a commercially aware operational leader who can bring structure, pace and accountability across the full project lifecycle, while inspiring confidence across engineering and manufacturing teams.
Role Purpose
To align Sales and Engineering, leading Programme Management, Supply Chain and Production to ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget and to specification, while maintaining strong commercial control and operational discipline. The successful individual will operate at both strategic and tactical levels, driving performance improvements while remaining close to the detail and visible on the shop floor.
Key Responsibilities
- Own the operational delivery model from sales order intake through engineering, production and customer delivery.
- Ensure robust programme management and project scheduling disciplines are embedded and adhered to.
- Strengthen the interface between Sales, Engineering and Operations to ensure accurate scoping, costing, capacity planning and risk mitigation at order stage.
- Drive effective supply chain management to support project timelines and margin performance.
- Lead production planning and execution to improve OTIF, cost control, productivity and throughput.
- Champion engineering excellence and manufacturing best practice across departments.
- Implement clear governance, reporting structures and KPI management across all operational functions.
- Identify bottlenecks and implement corrective actions to protect delivery commitments.
- Support margin protection through strong commercial awareness and cost visibility.
- Provide visible, hands-on leadership on the shop floor, motivating teams and building accountability across departments.
Candidate Profile
- Proven experience as an Operations Director or Senior Operations Leader within a project-based, engineered to order manufacturing environment.
- Engineering or manufacturing qualifications preferred. Degree, HNC, HND or time served apprenticeship background highly desirable.
- Shop floor trained or operationally developed leader with credibility across engineering and production teams.
- Strong understanding of commercial flow from sales handover into structured programme delivery.
- Demonstrable expertise in programme management and project scheduling methodologies.
- Solid grasp of supply chain strategy and operational procurement within complex projects.
- Track record of improving delivery performance, operational discipline and cross-functional alignment.
- Hands-on leadership style with the ability to operate at pace in an interim capacity.
- Comfortable working within structured governance environments and reporting at board level.
Personal Attributes
- Commercially astute with strong financial awareness.
- Structured, process driven and detail oriented.
- Natural leader who can motivate, inspire and develop shop floor and departmental teams.
- Credible and confident communicator capable of influencing senior stakeholders.
- Delivery focused with a pragmatic, solutions based approach.
Details: Interim appointment. £650-800 per day. Outside IR35. Immediate or short notice availability preferred.
Interim Director of Operations in Leeds employer: Elevation Recruitment Group
Contact Detail:
Elevation Recruitment Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Director of Operations in Leeds
✨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 opportunities. Sometimes, the best roles are filled through word of mouth before they even hit job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their operational challenges and think about how your experience can help solve them. This will show you're not just another candidate but someone who can add real value.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your background aligns with the role of Interim Operations Director. Highlight your hands-on leadership style and your ability to drive performance improvements in a project-led environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that dream job, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Director of Operations in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Interim Operations Director. Highlight your experience in project-based environments and any relevant engineering or manufacturing qualifications. We want to see how your background aligns with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of how you've driven operational performance and improved delivery in past positions. Remember, we love a good story that showcases your leadership style!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on quantifiable achievements. Did you improve OTIF rates or enhance supply chain management? Use numbers and percentages to illustrate your impact. This will help us see the value you can bring to our client’s operations.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Elevation Recruitment Group
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the operational processes relevant to the role. Brush up on your knowledge of project management methodologies and supply chain strategies, as these will be crucial in demonstrating your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your hands-on leadership approach. Share specific examples of how you've motivated teams on the shop floor and improved operational performance. This will help the interviewers see how you can inspire confidence across engineering and manufacturing teams.
✨Align with Their Vision
Research the company’s goals and challenges. During the interview, align your answers with their vision for operational excellence. Highlight how your experience in driving performance improvements can directly contribute to their objectives.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think of past experiences where you identified bottlenecks or implemented corrective actions. Be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your decisions.