Operations Director - Manufacturing

Our client is a world leader in the design and manufacture of state-of-the-art high-tech equipment used to accelerate breakthroughs that create a brighter future for our world. Due to the dynamic markets they operate in as well as some significant investment in R&D, the organisation has grown exponentially over the last five years. Whilst growth is positive, it has placed a huge challenge on Operations and therefore making sure the operations\’ functions are fit for purpose both now and as the Group scales for growth is a priority.

The site in Belfast requires a modern collaborative leader who will transform the facility into a best-in-class operation across Manufacturing, Quality, Planning, Supply Chain, Purchasing and Facilities Management to enhance and improve the customers experience through predictability of planning, forecasting, reduction of lead times, increased quality; leading the business to scale up more effectively. Despite the organisation producing a profit each year and investing further in R&D, current operations are still immature and efficiencies are being missed so this is a real opportunity for an experienced Operations Director to focus on further developing and embedding a continuous improvement culture including lean processes, structuring the teams so they are fit for purpose and overall working with the staff who are talented in their field to be the best facility.

The ideal candidate will have a demonstrable track record of driving improvements and leading change ideally within a low volume environment with modern manufacturing practices and techniques. The Group has invested a huge amount in people and equipment over the last few years so this position is about bringing it all together and galvanising the team to achieve the results for the company\’s customers; many of whom are international and highly sophisticated.

Leading a cultural change across Operations which will increase engagement and make overall improvements across delivery will be key to success within this high technology manufacturing facility. Developing an organisational structure which is fit for growth as well as ensuring appropriate levels of training and development are provided to increase flexibility and motivation will help bring staff on this change journey.

This is a huge opportunity for an experienced change manager to join a high technology business on an exciting growth journey and make a difference. The group has a genuine appetite for transformation and so the new Operations Director will be given the autonomy to make changes but at the same time have support from the wider international group on any group wide continuous improvement projects. The Group has a reputation for investing and treating its staff very well at all levels and as many of the sectors they operate in tend to relate to \’making the world a better place\’, the ideal candidate is more likely to fit in if they have a desire to do the same.

Although the facility and role are based in Belfast, the client will consider applications from individuals interested in working on a hybrid basis, with a minimum of 4 days a week on site.