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- Tasks: Lead operations in a dynamic, project-driven environment, ensuring timely and budget-friendly delivery.
- 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.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact by driving operational excellence and inspiring teams.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in operations leadership within project-based manufacturing; engineering qualifications preferred.
- Other info: Hands-on leadership role with opportunities for immediate impact and career growth.
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 Operations Director 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 Operations Director 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 an Interim Operations Director role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities that aren't advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your project management and operational strategies. Be ready to discuss how you've improved delivery performance and managed cross-functional teams in past roles. Show them you’re the hands-on leader they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your experience in engineered to order environments. Use our website to find roles that match your skills and apply directly – it’s the best way to get noticed!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to show you were engaged and are genuinely interested in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Operations Director in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Interim Operations Director. Highlight your experience in project management and operational leadership, especially in engineered to order environments. We want to see how your skills align 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 achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive performance improvements and manage complex projects. Remember, we love a good story!
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, make sure to highlight your hands-on leadership style. We’re looking for someone who can motivate teams and build accountability. Share examples of how you've inspired confidence across engineering and manufacturing teams in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
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 key discussion points.
✨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 in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to inspire confidence across engineering and manufacturing teams.
✨Align with Their Goals
Research the company’s current projects and challenges. Be ready to articulate how your experience aligns with their needs, particularly in terms of ensuring seamless commercial flow from sales to delivery. This shows that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also genuinely interested in their success.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about potential bottlenecks in project delivery and how you would address them. This will highlight your strategic thinking and operational discipline, which are crucial for this interim position.