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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations across multiple sites, driving efficiency and continuous improvement.
- Company: Join a leading manufacturer in the automotive sector, shaping the future of operations.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, making impactful decisions that enhance profitability and customer satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Degree in Manufacturing or Mechanical Engineering; Lean Six Sigma certification preferred.
- Other info: This role is crucial for strategic oversight and operational excellence in a progressive environment.
The predicted salary is between 96000 - 104000 ÂŁ per year.
Operations Director
A high‑growth, private equity–backed 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, board‑facing role with genuine end‑to‑end 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, high‑capacity 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 end‑to‑end operations across manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and logistics
- Drive operational excellence through lean, CI, automation, and systems‑led improvement
- Increase throughput, capacity, and right‑first‑time performance
- Translate operational gains into margin, cash, and customer outcomes
- Provide clear, data‑led reporting to the board and investors
- Lead, develop, and succession‑plan 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 systems‑based improvement
- Comfortable operating in PE‑backed or investor‑led environments
- Calm, credible, people‑focused 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: Full‑time
- Job function: Manufacturing, Management, and Production
- Industries: Industrial Machinery Manufacturing, Manufacturing, Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing
- Contact phone: 07710096840
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Director of Operations employer: Parkinson | Lee Executive Search
Contact Detail:
Parkinson | Lee Executive Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your experience in multisite management during networking events or conversations. This role requires someone who can oversee multiple locations, so sharing specific examples of how you've successfully managed operations across different sites will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarize yourself with the latest trends and technologies in manufacturing and operational excellence. Being able to discuss innovative strategies or tools that enhance productivity and efficiency will demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement.
✨Tip Number 3
Connect with current or former employees of the company on LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the company culture and operational challenges, which you can address in your discussions with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you would approach building a high-performing team. Since mentoring and leading a team is crucial for this role, having a clear vision of your leadership style and how you foster collaboration will resonate well with the interviewers.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in manufacturing environments and multisite management. Emphasize your achievements in operational excellence and continuous improvement methodologies like Lean and Six Sigma.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for operational efficiency and your strategic vision for the role. Mention specific examples of how you've driven results in previous positions and how you can contribute to the company's goals.
Highlight Leadership Experience: Since this role is part of the Senior Leadership Team, showcase your leadership skills and experience in building and mentoring high-performing teams. Provide examples of how you've fostered a collaborative culture in past roles.
Showcase Financial Acumen: Demonstrate your solid commercial and financial skills by including examples of how you've managed budgets, forecasts, and financial performance in previous roles. Highlight any cost savings or profitability improvements you've achieved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Parkinson | Lee Executive Search
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a candidate for the Director of Operations role, it's crucial to highlight your experience in leading teams and managing multiple sites. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully overseen operations and driven results in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Continuous Improvement Mindset
Be ready to discuss your familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies like Lean and Six Sigma. Share concrete instances where you've implemented these strategies to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
✨Align with Strategic Goals
Understand the company's strategic objectives and be prepared to articulate how your operational strategies can align with and support these goals. This shows that you are not only focused on day-to-day operations but also on the bigger picture.
✨Prepare for Financial Discussions
Since the role involves managing budgets and financial performance, brush up on your financial acumen. Be prepared to discuss how you've previously managed budgets, achieved cost savings, and contributed to profitability in your past positions.
