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- Tasks: Lead and optimise operations in a fast-paced advanced materials manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing business in the advanced materials sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to shape operational excellence.
- Other info: Autonomy to implement scalable systems and drive meaningful change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving change and building high-performing teams.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in manufacturing with a focus on operational excellence.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 ÂŁ 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 in London 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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Operations Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their challenges and think about how your experience in advanced materials manufacturing can help them. We want you to shine and show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you’ve driven operational excellence in past roles. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to boost your confidence.
✨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 and engaged in the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operations in London
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 key responsibilities outlined 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, so share those examples!
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. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
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 production processes, safety protocols, and quality standards. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show that you're genuinely interested in how they operate.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential Operations Director, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams through change or improved operational performance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Align with Their Growth Vision
Research the company's growth objectives and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their expansion and operational transformation, particularly in terms of scalability and efficiency.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment. Think of challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them, especially regarding production optimisation and team development.