At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise end-to-end operations in a high-growth manufacturing environment.
- Company: Dynamic, private equity-backed UK manufacturer with international reach.
- Benefits: Competitive executive package, autonomy, and a chance to make a lasting impact.
- Why this job: Drive operational excellence and leave a legacy in a thriving business.
- Qualifications: Proven senior operations leadership experience in manufacturing or engineering.
- Other info: Engage directly with investors and work alongside an experienced CEO.
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.
Supply Chain Operations Executive employer: Parkinson | Lee Executive Search
Contact Detail:
Parkinson | Lee Executive Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Chain Operations Executive
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can get you in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their operations, challenges, and successes. We want you to walk in with insights that show you’re not just another candidate, but someone who’s genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate how your experience aligns with the role of Operations Director. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to boost your confidence and clarity.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you top of mind. And remember, check out our website for more opportunities that might be a perfect fit for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Supply Chain Operations Executive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Supply Chain Operations Executive. Highlight your experience in operations leadership, especially in manufacturing or engineering, and don’t forget to showcase any international exposure you've had.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention your track record in driving operational excellence and how you can contribute to the company's growth and value creation.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead change and implement automation. Use data to back up your claims – numbers speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Parkinson | Lee Executive Search
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the company's operations, especially in manufacturing and supply chain. Familiarise yourself with their current processes, challenges, and recent investments in automation. This will help you speak confidently about how you can drive operational excellence.
✨Showcase Your Change Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led change or transformation in operations. Highlight your ability to implement systems-based improvements and how you've increased throughput or efficiency in previous roles. This will demonstrate your fit for a senior, board-facing position.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since the role involves providing clear, data-led reporting to the board and investors, come prepared with insights on how you've used data to drive decisions in your previous roles. Discuss specific metrics you've improved and how they translated into margin and cash outcomes.
✨Engage with the Leadership Style
Understand the leadership style of the CEO and senior team. Be ready to discuss how your calm, credible, and people-focused approach aligns with their vision. Showing that you can lead and develop teams while embedding accountability will resonate well in the interview.