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 international reach.
- Benefits: Competitive executive package, autonomy, and a chance to make a lasting impact.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape the future of a thriving manufacturing operation.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in operations, with experience in manufacturing and change management.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant career advancement and influence at board level.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
The 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
- Strong interface with Engineering
Location & Package
Yorkshire based, onsite leadership role. Competitive senior executive package aligned to impact and value creation.
This appointment is being handled on a confidential NDA basis. For an initial, discreet conversation, contact Carl Walker at Parkinson Lee Executive Search.
Operations Manager - Am Shift employer: Parkinson | Lee Executive Search
Contact Detail:
Parkinson | Lee Executive Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager - Am Shift
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can open doors that applications alone can’t.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent projects and challenges. We want you to show up with insights that demonstrate your understanding of their operations and how you can drive excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to clearly articulate your experience in operational leadership and transformation. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or mentor to nail that confident delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager - Am Shift
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Operations Manager. Highlight your experience in manufacturing, supply chain, and operational transformation. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
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 specific examples of your leadership experience and how you've driven operational excellence in the past.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use data and metrics to demonstrate how you’ve increased throughput or improved margins. We love numbers that tell a story!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Parkinson | Lee Executive Search
✨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.
✨Showcase Your Change Leadership Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led change in previous roles. Highlight your experience with automation and systems-led improvements, as these are crucial for the role. Use metrics to illustrate your impact on operational performance and profitability.
✨Engage with Data-Driven Insights
Since the role involves providing clear, data-led reporting, be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in the past. Bring examples of reports or analyses you've created that led to significant operational improvements or cost savings.
✨Demonstrate People-Focused Leadership
This position requires a calm and credible leadership style. Prepare to discuss how you've developed teams and succession plans in your previous roles. Share stories that highlight your ability to inspire and lead people through change while maintaining accountability.