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- Tasks: Lead and optimise operations in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing advanced materials manufacturing business.
- 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 operations in a dynamic and evolving sector.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in manufacturing and experience with operational excellence.
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.
Locations
Director of Operations in Newport, Wales 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 Newport, Wales
✨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 to show them that you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one who can drive their operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate how your experience aligns with their needs. We need to highlight your leadership skills and operational achievements in a way that resonates with their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you top of mind. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operations in Newport, Wales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Operations Director role. 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 tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share your strategic mindset and how you've driven operational excellence in previous positions. Make it personal and engaging!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on quantifiable achievements. Did you improve operational efficiency or lead a successful project? Numbers speak volumes, so include metrics that demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter!
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. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led cross-functional teams in the past. Highlight your ability to drive change and improve performance, as this aligns with the role's focus on building high-performing teams.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions about strategic initiatives and operational improvements. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented scalable systems or enhanced operational predictability in previous roles. This will demonstrate your strategic mindset and ability to align operations with business objectives.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that reflect your understanding of the industry and the company's challenges. Inquire about their plans for growth and how they measure success in operational performance. This shows your engagement and forward-thinking approach.