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- Tasks: Lead and optimise operations in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing advanced materials manufacturing company.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and the chance to drive meaningful change.
- Other info: Autonomy to implement scalable systems and build high-performing teams.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a key manufacturing site and enhance operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in advanced materials or industrial manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Mackinnon Bruce International is partnered with a rapidly growing business operating within the advanced materials manufacturing space, currently undergoing a significant phase of expansion and operational transformation.
As part of this growth, the organisation is seeking an Operations Director to take full ownership of site operations at a key UK facility. This is a senior leadership role focused on building a scalable, high-performing operating model capable of supporting increased volumes, complexity, and long-term business performance.
The Operations Director will hold end-to-end responsibility for operational performance, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient manufacturing aligned with customer requirements and business objectives. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on execution, overseeing production, engineering, planning, and HSE. A key focus will be driving predictability, on-time delivery, capacity growth, and quality performance within a fast-paced and evolving environment.
Key Responsibilities- Define and deliver the site operations strategy aligned with business growth objectives
- Take full ownership of operational performance across safety, quality, cost, delivery, and capacity
- Lead and develop cross-functional teams across production, engineering, planning, and HSE
- Improve operational predictability and consistency, ensuring reliable delivery against customer commitments
- Drive capacity improvements and optimise production performance across key areas of the operation
- Implement scalable systems, processes, and operating structures to support future growth
- Strengthen maintenance strategies to maximise equipment reliability and uptime
- Ensure compliance with regulatory, quality, and customer requirements
- Establish clear performance frameworks, KPIs, and reporting structures
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce operational risk
- Partner with senior leadership on strategic initiatives including investment, operating model evolution, and organisational design
- Build organisational capability, identifying gaps and developing high-performing teams
- Proven leadership experience within advanced materials or industrial manufacturing environments
- Strong track record operating in complex, fast-paced production settings
- Experience managing growth, operational change, and increasing organisational complexity
- Strong understanding of production optimisation, maintenance strategy, and operational excellence
- Experience within mid-to-large scale operations (£100M+ or equivalent scope advantageous)
- Commercially aware, with the ability to align operations to broader business performance
- Strategic mindset with strong delivery focus
- Results-driven with a high level of ownership and accountability
- Credible leader, comfortable engaging at both executive and operational levels
- Strong communicator with the ability to influence and align stakeholders
- Data-driven and analytical in approach
- Resilient and adaptable in a changing environment
- Structured, with a focus on sustainable, system-led improvements
This role offers the opportunity to take full operational ownership of a growing and evolving manufacturing site within the advanced materials sector, playing a key role in shaping its next phase of development. You will have the autonomy to drive meaningful change, build capability, and deliver long-term operational excellence within an ambitious organisation.
Director of Operations employer: Mackinnon Bruce International
Contact Detail:
Mackinnon Bruce International Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Operations
✨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 Operations Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their operations, challenges, and recent news. We want you to walk in there ready to discuss how you can drive operational excellence and support their growth objectives.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've led teams through change or improved operational performance. We need to see that you can take ownership and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email reiterating your interest and highlighting a key point from your conversation can keep you top of mind. We’re all about making connections that last!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Operations Director. Highlight your leadership experience in advanced materials or industrial manufacturing, and don’t forget to showcase your track record in managing growth and operational change.
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 align with the responsibilities listed in the job description, like improving operational predictability or driving capacity improvements.
Showcase Your Strategic Mindset: In both your CV and cover letter, emphasise your strategic mindset and results-driven approach. We want to see how you've successfully aligned operations with broader business performance in previous roles.
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 this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mackinnon Bruce International
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's operations. Understand their current challenges and successes in advanced materials manufacturing. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully managed cross-functional teams in the past. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to drive performance and foster collaboration.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific operational challenges. Think of scenarios related to production optimisation or capacity growth, and outline your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
✨Align with Their Vision
Research the company's growth objectives and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their operational strategy. Show enthusiasm for their mission and articulate how your background in operational excellence can help them achieve their goals.