At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformation in manufacturing and operations across two sites, driving excellence and efficiency.
- Company: Dynamic company focused on innovation and sustainability in manufacturing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, strong benefits package, and support for work-life balance.
- Why this job: Be a change-maker in a modern manufacturing environment that values creativity and results.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in manufacturing transformation and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Join a culture driven by passion, pace, people, and planet.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
UK | Dual-site leadership (Wales & Newport Pagnell)
If you are proud of “how we’ve always done it”, this role is not for you. If, however, you believe manufacturing and operations should be simpler, smarter and more connected, and you know how to take experienced teams on a journey of transformation at pace, keep reading. This role requires modern thinking, courage, and the ability to inspire change, not just manage day to day operations.
The Role
As Manufacturing & Operations Director, you will own the end-to-end UK supply chain and in-house manufacturing operations across two sites. These include a Manufacturing & Distribution site in Wales and a Distribution site in Newport Pagnell. Working alongside highly experienced Operations and Factory leaders who know the business inside out, you will drive operational excellence across both locations optimising manufacturing performance while ensuring efficient warehousing, logistics, and nationwide distribution. Your challenge is to redefine how manufacturing and operations support improved growth, margin, service and sustainability, now and for the future.
You will be responsible for:
- Setting and delivering a clear manufacturing & operations strategy aligned to the business vision
- Driving operational excellence through lean thinking, standardisation, automation and capital investment
- Leading cost-out initiatives that improve margin and capability
- Simplifying product and process complexity to unlock scalable, automated production
- Building supply chain resilience and responsible supplier partnerships that support our sustainability ambitions
- Owning a robust, disciplined S&OP process with clear accountability
- Improving OTIF, warehouse efficiency and haulage optimisation
- Leading SKU rationalisation and inventory optimisation
- Championing ERP implementation and digital enablement
- Embedding continuous improvement, root cause thinking and performance transparency
Your leadership will:
- Create a safe, compliant, engaging factory environment with HS&E at its core
- Build a positive, high-accountability culture rooted in trust, integrity and mutual respect, where people feel valued and heard
- Develop talent, succession and future-ready manufacturing capability
- Partner cross-functionally with multiple stakeholders
- Be visible, credible and consistent across every level of the business.
Our Culture is shaped by our 4 P’s: Passion, Pace, People and Planet. We believe in bringing energy and creativity to everything we do, delivering results with urgency and focus, treating one another with integrity and respect, and recognising our responsibility to operate sustainably for future generations. Our values guide our decisions, shape our behaviours and define how we grow, together.
Pause. Reflect. Be Honest. Before you apply, ask yourself:
- Do I energise change, or do I default to control and hierarchy?
- Have I successfully led teams through transformation, not just incremental improvement?
- Can I challenge without losing trust?
- Do I simplify complexity?
- Am I equally comfortable shaping strategy and rolling up my sleeves to deliver it at pace?
- Do people choose to follow me when the journey gets uncomfortable?
If these questions excite you rather than unsettle you, you may be exactly who we are looking for.
Your Experience
You will bring:
- A proven track record of manufacturing and operations transformation
- End-to-end supply chain expertise (planning, procurement, warehousing, logistics)
- Experience delivering system, process and cultural change (ERP, CI, automation)
- Strong influencing, negotiation and stakeholder leadership skills
- A creative, agile, modern leadership style grounded in data and results
Location
Ideally based within commuting distance of Hengoed, Wales, with regular time in Newport Pagnell. We offer a competitive salary package commensurate with the level of this role, alongside a strong benefits package designed to support your work–life balance and reward your contribution. Further details will be shared during the recruitment process.
Please can you forward your CV and current package to Melanie Bassett, HR Director, email address mbassett@igdesigngroup.uk.com
Locations
Manufacturing & Operations Director in Caerphilly, Ystrad Mynach employer: IG Design Group UK
Contact Detail:
IG Design Group UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing & Operations Director in Caerphilly, Ystrad Mynach
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out before your interview. Research their values, culture, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led teams through transformation. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and make them impactful.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn to gain insights about the company and its operations. This can give you an edge in understanding what they value in a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and ready to contribute to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing & Operations Director in Caerphilly, Ystrad Mynach
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Change: When you write your application, let your enthusiasm for transformation shine through. We want to see how you've energised change in previous roles and how you can bring that same energy to our team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your CV and cover letter straightforward and to the point. Highlight your key achievements and experiences that align with the role. We appreciate clarity, so make it easy for us to see why you're a great fit!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Manufacturing & Operations Director role. Use the language from the job description to demonstrate that you understand what we’re looking for.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly 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!
How to prepare for a job interview at IG Design Group UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's operations and their approach to manufacturing. Understand their current challenges and think about how your experience can help them simplify and transform their processes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully led teams through transformation. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to inspire change and build a positive culture, as this role demands a modern and engaging approach.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to solve hypothetical problems related to operational excellence or supply chain resilience. Think about past experiences where you’ve implemented lean thinking or driven cost-out initiatives, and be prepared to share those stories.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the company’s 4 P’s: Passion, Pace, People, and Planet. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their culture of integrity, respect, and sustainability.