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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformation in manufacturing and operations across two sites, driving excellence and efficiency.
- Company: Dynamic company focused on innovation, sustainability, and a positive workplace culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, strong work-life balance, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Why this job: Shape the future of manufacturing with modern strategies and inspire change.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in manufacturing transformation and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to sustainability and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 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.
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.
Manufacturing & Operations Director in 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 Ystrad Mynach
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company culture and values. We want to see how you fit into our passion for change and sustainability, so be ready to share your thoughts on how you can contribute!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your transformation experience! When chatting with us, highlight specific examples of how you've led teams through change. We love hearing about your journey and how you’ve energised others along the way.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who align with our values.
We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing & Operations Director in 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 energise change and inspire teams to embrace new ways of working.
Be Specific About Your Experience: Don’t just list your past roles; tell us about the specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead manufacturing and operations transformation. Use concrete examples to show how you've simplified processes or improved efficiency.
Align with Our Values: Make sure your application reflects our 4 P’s: Passion, Pace, People, and Planet. We’re looking for candidates who resonate with these values and can contribute to a positive, high-accountability culture.
Keep It Clear and Concise: While we love detail, clarity is key! Make your application easy to read and to the point. Highlight your skills and experiences that align with the role, and don’t forget to apply through our website for the best chance!
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 optimise processes. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also in making a real impact.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully led teams through transformation. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to inspire change and build a positive culture. Remember, they want someone who energises change, so let your passion shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to solve hypothetical problems or improve existing processes. Think about specific scenarios where you've implemented lean thinking or driven operational excellence. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the company's culture and values, especially the 4 P’s: Passion, Pace, People, and Planet. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of sustainability and growth. This connection can set you apart from other candidates.