At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise operations in a high-performance manufacturing environment.
- Company: Blakley Electrics, a respected UK manufacturer with over 65 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a leading company while driving operational excellence.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in senior operations leadership within technical manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
- Description
- Job Context
Blakley Electrics is a respected UK manufacturer of high-performance power distribution, protection, transformer and site lighting products, with more than 65 years’ experience in specialist electrical assembly and sheet metal fabrication.
As part of the senior leadership team, the Operations Director will lead the end-to-end operational capability required to support safe, compliant, high-quality manufacturing and reliable customer delivery across both Harlow and Crayford sites.
The role is based in Harlow.
This role will provide strategic and hands-on leadership across manufacturing, procurement and supply chain, production planning, logistics, automation, facilities and maintenance.
The postholder will be expected to build operational discipline, strengthen cross-functional ways of working and ensure that Blakley’s products, processes and people continue to meet the expectations of customers in demanding industrial, construction, infrastructure, events and specialist power applications.
The successful candidate will bring significant operational leadership experience within a technical manufacturing environment, a strong commitment to safety, quality and customer service, and the capability to develop teams through change.
Success will require close partnership with Engineering, Quality, Sales and Finance to improve delivery performance, increase operational resilience and support Blakley Electrics’ next phase of growth.
- Key Accountabilities
- Manufacturing
- Lead safe, efficient and high-quality manufacturing and electrical assembly operations for Blakley’s power distribution, protection, transformer and site lighting product ranges.
- Drive continuous improvement in production efficiency, build quality, lead times, service levels and overall operational performance.
- Ensure manufacturing teams are trained, competent and appropriately resourced to deliver compliant, right-first-time output.
Optimise direct labour, equipment utilisation and production flow in line with customer demand, operational priorities and business objectives.
- Procurement & Supply Chain
- Lead purchasing and supply chain activity to secure a reliable, cost-effective supply of components, materials and fabricated parts aligned to operational requirements.
- Implement robust purchasing methods, supplier management practices and cost efficiency measures that support quality, availability and value.
- Ensure procurement and supply chain decisions support product compliance, environmental responsibilities and health and safety standards.
- Develop the supply chain team to balance stock availability, inventory control and responsiveness to customer and production demand.
- Oversee stock availability performance targets.
- Act as a customer champion by ensuring supply issues are analysed, resolved promptly and translated into sustainable process improvements.
Collaborate with the Quality team to ensure smooth, compliant and customer-focused supply chain operations.
- Production Scheduling
- Ensure production schedules are robust, realistic and aligned to sales demand, material availability, engineering requirements and customer commitments.
- Work with operational management to align staffing, skills and capacity with short- and medium-term production needs against a constantly fluctuating demand.
Improve planning discipline, schedule adherence and output reliability through data-led review, clear escalation and continuous improvement.
- Logistics
- Lead logistics operations to ensure timely, accurate and cost-effective movement of finished goods, components and materials across UK and international customer requirements.
Maintain strong communication between manufacturing, sales, supply chain and logistics teams to support reliable delivery and effective customer communication.
- Automation
- Identify opportunities to improve operational visibility, automate manual processes and increase productivity across manufacturing, planning, supply chain and reporting.
- Recommend and implement appropriate technologies, equipment and process changes that strengthen operational control and support scalable growth.
- Ensure automation improvements support safety, quality, and productivity goals.
- Facilities Management and Maintenance
- Oversee the management and maintenance of office, manufacturing, plant and warehouse facilities to support safe, compliant and efficient operations.
- Evaluate facility, equipment and maintenance requirements in line with production demand, safety obligations and business objectives.
Lead improvements to plant layout, equipment utilisation, maintenance routines and operational working environments where required.
Qualifications, Experience & Skills
- Minimum 10 years’ experience in senior operations leadership, including at least 5 years in a technical manufacturing, electrical assembly or engineering-led production environment.
- Strong commercial and customer orientation, with evidence of improving delivery performance, service levels and operational responsiveness.
- Proven ability to scale operations, strengthen processes and increase capacity in support of business growth.
- Experience in a technical product environment, ideally involving power distribution, electrical protection, transformers, lighting, industrial equipment or similar engineered products.
- Evidence of developing systems, reporting and automation that improve transparency, decision-making and accountability across operational teams.
- Substantial experience leading cross-functional teams, building capability and creating a culture of safety, quality, accountability and continuous improvement.
Degree educated or able to demonstrate equivalent senior operational experience in a relevant manufacturing or engineering discipline.
Highly desirable
- Lean/Six Sigma (Yellow/Green Belt)
- PRINCE 2
- Experience supporting UK and international customers across multiple sectors or routes to market.
- Experience managing international supply chains, including Far Eastern suppliers, component sourcing and supplier performance improvement.
Operations Director employer: Lucy Group
Join Lucy Group as an HR Business Partner and be part of a dynamic team that is shaping the future of energy and infrastructure in the UK. With a strong focus on employee engagement and development, we offer a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility between our Newcastle and Sowerby Bridge locations, providing you with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a balanced work-life experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Lucy Group, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Lucy Group specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lucy Group
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Lucy Group, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Lucy Group value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
