At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations in a dynamic, project-driven environment, ensuring timely delivery and performance.
- Company: Confidential company seeking an experienced Operations Director.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate of £500 to £650, with immediate start preferred.
- Other info: Hands-on role with opportunities for immediate influence and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact by driving operational excellence and inspiring teams.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in operations leadership within engineered to order manufacturing.
We are seeking an experienced Interim Operations Director to provide hands-on leadership within a project-led, engineered to order environment. This role will take full responsibility for operational performance, ensuring seamless commercial flow from sales handover through programme delivery, production and final delivery.
This is a critical appointment requiring a commercially aware operational leader who can bring structure, pace and accountability across the full project lifecycle, while inspiring confidence across engineering and manufacturing teams.
Role PurposeTo align Sales and Engineering, leading Programme Management, Supply Chain and Production to ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget and to specification, while maintaining strong commercial control and operational discipline.
The successful individual will operate at both strategic and tactical levels, driving performance improvements while remaining close to the detail and visible on the shop floor.
Key Responsibilities- Own the operational delivery model from sales order intake through engineering, production and customer delivery.
- Ensure robust programme management and project scheduling disciplines are embedded and adhered to.
- Strengthen the interface between Sales, Engineering and Operations to ensure accurate scoping, costing, capacity planning and risk mitigation at order stage.
- Drive effective supply chain management to support project timelines and margin performance.
- Lead production planning and execution to improve OTIF, cost control, productivity and throughput.
- Champion engineering excellence and manufacturing best practice across departments.
- Implement clear governance, reporting structures and KPI management across all operational functions.
- Identify bottlenecks and implement corrective actions to protect delivery commitments.
- Support margin protection through strong commercial awareness and cost visibility.
- Provide visible, hands-on leadership on the shop floor, motivating teams and building accountability across departments.
- Proven experience as an Operations Director or Senior Operations Leader within a project-based, engineered to order manufacturing environment.
- Engineering or manufacturing qualifications preferred.
- Degree, HNC, HND or time served apprenticeship background highly desirable.
- Shop floor trained or operationally developed leader with credibility across engineering and production teams.
- Strong understanding of commercial flow from sales handover into structured programme delivery.
- Demonstrable expertise in programme management and project scheduling methodologies.
- Solid grasp of supply chain strategy and operational procurement within complex projects.
- Track record of improving delivery performance, operational discipline and cross-functional alignment.
- Hands-on leadership style with the ability to operate at pace in an interim capacity.
- Comfortable working within structured governance environments and reporting at board level.
- Commercially astute with strong financial awareness.
- Structured, process driven and detail oriented.
- Natural leader who can motivate, inspire and develop shop floor and departmental teams.
- Credible and confident communicator capable of influencing senior stakeholders.
- Delivery focused with a pragmatic, solutions based approach.
Interim appointment. £500 to £650 per day. Inside IR35. Immediate or short notice availability preferred.
Interim Operations Director in Leeds employer: Parkinson Lee
As an Interim Operations Director, you will join a dynamic and innovative company that values hands-on leadership and operational excellence. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, the company fosters a collaborative work culture where your contributions directly impact project success and team performance. Located in a vibrant area, this role offers competitive day rates and the opportunity to work closely with engineering and manufacturing teams, ensuring a rewarding and meaningful experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Operations Director in Leeds
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to former colleagues. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity that’s perfect for you.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching the company and understanding their operations. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in project management and supply chain. Practice common interview questions and be ready to showcase your leadership style!
✨Follow Up
After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows professionalism and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us can sometimes give you an edge, as we’re always looking for passionate candidates who fit our culture and values.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Operations Director in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Interim Operations Director. Highlight your experience in project-based environments and any relevant qualifications that align with the job description. We want to see how your background fits perfectly with what we're looking for!
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 specific examples from your past that demonstrate your leadership skills and operational expertise. We love seeing your personality come through!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use metrics where possible to show how you improved operational performance or drove successful projects. We appreciate numbers that tell a story!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Parkinson Lee
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the operational processes relevant to the role. Brush up on project management methodologies and supply chain strategies, as these will be key discussion points during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your hands-on leadership approach. Be ready to discuss how you've motivated teams and driven performance improvements in previous roles, especially in a project-led environment.
✨Align with Their Vision
Research the company’s current projects and challenges. Demonstrating an understanding of their operational flow from sales to delivery will show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also aligned with their goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about potential bottlenecks in operations and how you would address them, showcasing your commercial awareness and strategic thinking.
