Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise manufacturing operations, ensuring quality and efficiency from raw materials to finished products.
- Company: A growing £40m speciality manufacturing company focused on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to shape sustainable manufacturing practices.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a company prioritising operational excellence and environmental responsibility.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in manufacturing leadership and a strong understanding of Lean methodologies.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to continuous improvement and technical excellence.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Every manufacturing business says operations are critical. In this one, operations are the business. Our client is a well-established and growing £40m speciality manufacturing company, producing technically sophisticated materials and products used in demanding commercial applications. The company has built its reputation on innovation, reliability, and increasingly, sustainability, developing products that help customers reduce environmental impact while investing heavily in cleaner, smarter manufacturing processes.
The next phase of the company’s growth requires a leader who can elevate operational performance while maintaining the technical discipline that underpins its success. They are therefore seeking an Operations Director, a senior executive who can combine strategic leadership with deep manufacturing credibility, leading the entire operational ecosystem from raw materials to finished goods.
Reporting directly to the Board, this individual will take ownership of manufacturing, supply chain, quality, logistics, and operational excellence, ensuring the business continues to deliver high-quality, cost-efficient and sustainable production at scale. This is a role for someone who understands that great manufacturing is not just about machines, it is about systems, people, discipline and constant improvement.
The Opportunity
The Operations Director will be responsible for the end-to-end production environment, ensuring the organisation operates with precision, efficiency and reliability. From raw material procurement through to finished product delivery, you will lead a manufacturing platform that must deliver consistently against three non-negotiables:
- Quality
- Operational efficiency
At the same time, the business is investing in future-ready manufacturing capability, improving process sustainability, modernising equipment and embedding lean manufacturing disciplines across the plant. The role therefore sits at the intersection of strategy and shop-floor reality. You will work alongside the Board and leadership team to shape long-term operational strategy while maintaining close visibility of the production environment itself.
What You Will Be Responsible For:
Manufacturing Leadership
You will lead the entire production function, ensuring that manufacturing performance meets the company’s standards for quality, efficiency, safety and reliability. This includes responsibility for:
- Production operations
- Engineering and technical performance
- Production planning and scheduling
A key focus will be delivering OTIF performance (On Time In Full) while maintaining rigorous cost discipline and product quality. You will also oversee the technical integrity of the manufacturing environment, ensuring machine reliability, preventative maintenance programmes and equipment upgrades support operational stability.
Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence
The company is committed to building a culture of operational excellence, and this role will lead that transformation. You will implement and embed Lean Manufacturing methodologies, including:
- 5S
- Value Stream Mapping
Your objective will be simple but demanding: Reduce waste, optimise workflows and increase productivity across the manufacturing system.
Supply Chain, Materials and Quality
Manufacturing performance depends heavily on the quality and availability of raw materials. You will oversee the procurement and management of raw materials, including paper stock, coatings, inks and specialist chemicals, ensuring supply security while maintaining strict cost and quality parameters. You will also ensure the organisation maintains a robust Quality Management System (QMS) that meets both industry standards and customer expectations. Beyond production itself, you will oversee warehousing and logistics operations, ensuring the efficient storage and reliable distribution of finished products.
Financial and Strategic Leadership
As a member of the senior leadership structure, you will take responsibility for the financial performance of operations. This includes:
- Developing and managing operational budgets
- Driving cost optimisation initiatives
- Supporting margin improvement through operational efficiency
You will also lead capital investment programmes, identifying opportunities to modernise equipment, automate processes and enhance manufacturing capability. These investments will play a key role in ensuring the organisation remains technically competitive and environmentally responsible.
Health, Safety and Environmental Leadership
Operational leadership begins with safety. You will act as the senior champion for Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) across the manufacturing operation, ensuring the company maintains a safe, compliant and responsible working environment. The organisation is strongly committed to sustainable manufacturing, so the role will also support initiatives that reduce environmental impact and improve resource efficiency.
People and Culture
Great operations are built by great teams. You will lead and develop a multidisciplinary group spanning production, engineering, technical specialists and operational support functions. Your role will be to create a culture defined by:
- Accountability
- Technical excellence
You will also work closely with R&D, commercial and product development teams, ensuring the manufacturing platform supports innovation and new product introduction.
The Manufacturing Environment
This is a technically sophisticated manufacturing operation, requiring a leader comfortable with complex processes and high-performance equipment. Relevant sector experience may include:
- Speciality chemicals
- Technical paper or packaging
- Printing and converting
- Advanced materials manufacturing
The environment includes high-speed production systems and technically demanding process control, often operating within a 24/7 manufacturing framework. A strong understanding of how material properties interact with machinery performance will be essential.
The Candidate
The successful candidate will be an experienced operations leader from a technical manufacturing environment. You will combine strategic perspective with practical operational credibility, and be equally comfortable discussing long-term investment strategy with the Board or reviewing production performance on the factory floor. Key experience will likely include:
- Leadership of manufacturing operations in a process or materials-based industry
- Strong experience with Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement
- Proven track record improving productivity, quality and operational efficiency
- Experience managing complex manufacturing equipment and processes
- Strong financial awareness and operational budget control
- A leadership style that builds engaged, accountable teams
- A genuine interest in sustainable manufacturing and responsible production would be particularly valued.
The Opportunity
This role offers the opportunity to lead operations in a business where manufacturing capability is central to competitive advantage. You will have the platform to:
- Shape the future of a growing manufacturing organisation
- Lead the transition toward more sustainable production systems
- Drive meaningful operational improvement and innovation
- Work directly with the Board on strategy and growth
For the right candidate, it represents a rare chance to combine technical manufacturing leadership with strategic influence at the highest level of the organisation.
Director of Operations in Warrington employer: GARY CHAPLIN LTD
Contact Detail:
GARY CHAPLIN LTD Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Operations in Warrington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their products, values, and challenges. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the company's goals, especially around operational excellence and sustainability. Keep it concise and impactful.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operations in Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Operations Director. Highlight your experience in manufacturing, operational excellence, and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with our focus on quality and efficiency.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about sustainable manufacturing and how you can elevate operational performance. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We’re looking for someone who can lead and inspire teams. In your application, share examples of how you've built engaged teams and fostered a culture of accountability and technical excellence. This will help us see your fit for our company culture.
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 serious about joining our team at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at GARY CHAPLIN LTD
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's operations. Understand their manufacturing processes, supply chain dynamics, and quality management systems. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you can enhance operational efficiency or implement lean methodologies will show that you're not just familiar with the role but genuinely invested in their success.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential Operations Director, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare to discuss how you've built accountable teams in the past and how you plan to foster a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement. Use anecdotes that highlight your ability to lead diverse teams and drive operational change.
✨Align with Their Sustainability Goals
This company values sustainability, so be ready to talk about your experience with environmentally responsible manufacturing practices. Share specific initiatives you've led that reduced waste or improved resource efficiency. This will demonstrate that you not only understand the importance of sustainability but are also committed to it.
✨Prepare for Financial Discussions
Since you'll be responsible for operational budgets and cost optimisation, brush up on your financial acumen. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed budgets in previous roles and any strategies you've implemented to improve margins. Showing that you can balance operational excellence with financial performance will set you apart.