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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations across manufacturing, supply chain, and logistics to drive excellence and growth.
- Company: High-growth, private equity-backed UK manufacturer with a strong international presence.
- Benefits: Competitive executive package with genuine autonomy and accountability.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with an experienced CEO and influence strategic decisions.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on operational performance and scalability in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven senior operations leadership experience in manufacturing or engineering.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 ÂŁ per year.
A highâgrowth, private equityâbacked UK manufacturer with a strong international footprint is seeking an accomplished Operations Director to lead its next phase of scale, performance, and value creation. This is a senior, boardâfacing role with genuine endâtoâend authority across manufacturing, supply chain, quality, logistics, and operational strategy. The business has already invested heavily in facilities, automation, and capability. The challenge now is execution, discipline, and extracting full commercial value.
Opportunity
- You'll step into a profitable, expanding manufacturing operation supplying premium engineered products across the UK, Europe, and the US. Export markets account for the majority of output and continue to accelerate.
- With significant capital investment already deployed, including a modern, highâcapacity manufacturing facility, the focus has shifted from build to optimise. The mandate is clear: take a strong operation and make it exceptional.
- You'll work closely with an experienced CEO and senior leadership team, operating at board level and engaging directly with investors. This role will materially influence scalability, margin, cash generation, and exit readiness.
Your Mandate
- Full ownership of endâtoâend operations across manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and logistics.
- Drive operational excellence through lean, CI, automation, and systemsâled improvement.
- Increase throughput, capacity, and rightâfirstâtime performance.
- Translate operational gains into margin, cash, and customer outcomes.
- Provide clear, dataâled reporting to the board and investors.
- Lead, develop, and successionâplan operational leadership.
- Embed standards, accountability, and pace without bureaucracy.
What We're Looking For
- Proven senior operations leadership experience within manufacturing or engineering.
- Track record of leading growth, change, and operational transformation.
- Strong commercial acumen, ideally with international exposure.
- Experience implementing automation and systemsâbased improvement.
- Comfortable operating in PEâbacked or investorâled environments.
- Calm, credible, peopleâfocused leadership style with real gravitas.
Why This Role Stands Out
- Genuine autonomy and accountability.
- A business already investing ahead of demand.
- Clear value creation plan and defined exit horizon.
- International complexity without chaos.
- A workforce with deep knowledge and appetite for progress.
- A chance to leave a visible, lasting operational legacy.
Location & Package
- Competitive senior executive package aligned to impact and value creation.
- Location: Leeds, England, United Kingdom.
This appointment is being handled on a confidential NDA basis. For an initial, discreet conversation, contact Carl Walker at Parkinson Lee Executive Search.
Seniority & Details
- Seniority level: Director.
- Employment type: Fullâtime.
- Job function: Manufacturing, Management, and Production.
- Industries: Industrial Machinery Manufacturing, Manufacturing, Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing.
Director of Operations in Bradford employer: Parkinson | Lee Executive Search
Contact Detail:
Parkinson | Lee Executive Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Director of Operations in Bradford
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and engage on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Operations Director role.
â¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their operations, challenges, and successes. This will help you tailor your answers and show them you're the perfect fit for their growth journey.
â¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! Be ready to discuss how you've led teams through change and transformation. Use real examples to demonstrate your calm, credible approach and how it can benefit their operations.
â¨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operations in Bradford
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Operations Director. Highlight your experience in manufacturing, supply chain, and operational strategy. We want to see how you've driven growth and transformation in previous roles!
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 position. Share specific examples of how you've led operational excellence and improved performance in past roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: Weâre looking for a calm, credible leader with gravitas. In your application, give us a glimpse of your leadership style and how youâve developed teams in high-pressure environments. We want to know how you inspire and motivate others!
Apply Through Our Website: Donât forget to submit your application through our website! Itâs the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows youâre serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Parkinson | Lee Executive Search
â¨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's operations. Understand their manufacturing processes, supply chain dynamics, and quality control measures. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your genuine interest in optimising their operations.
â¨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Director of Operations, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you've led teams through change and transformation. Share specific examples that highlight your calm, credible approach and how you've fostered accountability and performance without bureaucracy.
â¨Prepare Data-Driven Insights
Since the role involves providing clear, data-led reporting, come armed with insights from your previous roles. Think about how you've translated operational gains into financial outcomes. Presenting these metrics will show your commercial acumen and ability to drive value creation.
â¨Engage with the Board Mindset
This position is board-facing, so it's essential to think like an executive. Prepare to discuss how you would align operational strategies with broader business goals. Show that you understand the importance of scalability, margin improvement, and cash generation in a PE-backed environment.