Interim Operations Director

Interim Operations Director

Temporary 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead operations in a dynamic manufacturing environment, ensuring quality and safety standards.
  • Company: Established manufacturer in the UK power infrastructure market with a focus on innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive interim salary and the chance to make a significant impact.
  • Other info: Ideal for seasoned professionals seeking a short-term, impactful leadership role.
  • Why this job: Join a pivotal role during a growth phase and shape operational success.
  • Qualifications: Experience in operations management within heavy engineering or electrical equipment sectors.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Our client is a long-established specialist manufacturer operating within the UK power infrastructure market, designing, manufacturing, installing and servicing technically complex electrical equipment for utilities, renewables, industrial and grid applications. Private Equity backed and based in Yorkshire, the business is entering an important phase of operational continuity and growth and is seeking to appoint an Interim Operations Director for an initial period of circa six months.

Working closely with the senior leadership team, the Interim Operations Director will provide immediate hands-on leadership across production, engineering, testing, supply chain, project delivery and site services. The successful candidate will ensure operational momentum is maintained, customer commitments are delivered, and safety, quality and compliance standards remain firmly embedded across the business.

This is a highly visible interim assignment in a complex, engineered-to-order manufacturing environment. The role will require someone able to quickly assess priorities, bring structure and pace, strengthen planning and capacity management, improve shopfloor execution and operational KPIs, and align cross-functional teams during a period of transition.

We would welcome discreet conversations with experienced Operations Directors, Manufacturing Directors, Plant Directors or senior operational interims based in Yorkshire, the North of England or within commutable reach of Leeds. Experience in heavy engineering, electrical equipment, capital equipment, industrial projects or engineered-to-order manufacturing is highly relevant; exposure to power, transformers, grid infrastructure, utilities supply chain or high-voltage equipment would be advantageous. Candidates should be available at short notice and able to commit to an interim assignment for a fixed period of time - TBD.

Interim Operations Director employer: Phoenix Search

As a long-established specialist manufacturer in the UK power infrastructure market, our client offers an exceptional work environment characterised by a strong commitment to safety, quality, and compliance. Employees benefit from a collaborative culture that encourages hands-on leadership and operational excellence, with ample opportunities for professional growth during this pivotal phase of expansion. Located in Yorkshire, the company provides a unique chance to contribute to meaningful projects within the renewable energy sector, making it an attractive employer for those seeking impactful and rewarding roles.

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Contact Details:

Phoenix Search Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Interim Operations Director

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who know the ins and outs of the power infrastructure market. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.

Tip Number 2

Be ready for a quick turnaround! Since this role requires someone who can jump in at short notice, make sure you’re prepared to discuss your relevant experience and how you can hit the ground running during interviews.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your hands-on leadership skills! In your conversations, highlight specific examples where you've successfully led teams through transitions or improved operational KPIs. This will demonstrate your fit for the role.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest roles listed there, and applying directly can give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and making an impact.

We think you need these skills to ace Interim Operations Director

Leadership
Operational Management
Production Management
Engineering Knowledge
Testing Procedures
Supply Chain Management
Project Delivery

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in operations and manufacturing. We want to see how your background aligns with the specific needs of the role, especially in areas like project delivery and supply chain management.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this interim role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in complex environments and maintained operational momentum in previous positions.

Showcase Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to emphasise any experience you have in heavy engineering or electrical equipment. If you've worked on projects related to power infrastructure or utilities, make sure to highlight that – it’s what we’re looking for!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!

How to prepare for a job interview at Phoenix Search

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on the specifics of the power infrastructure market and the technical aspects of electrical equipment. Familiarise yourself with the company's products and services, as well as their operational challenges. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you understand the industry.

Demonstrate Leadership Skills

As an Interim Operations Director, you'll need to showcase your hands-on leadership style. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams through transitions or improvements. Highlight how you maintained operational momentum and ensured compliance with safety and quality standards.

Be Ready for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in a complex manufacturing environment. Think about potential scenarios you might face in this role, such as managing supply chain disruptions or improving shopfloor execution. Prepare structured responses that demonstrate your strategic thinking and ability to align cross-functional teams.

Show Your Availability and Commitment

Since this is an interim position, be clear about your availability and willingness to commit to the assignment. Discuss how you can hit the ground running and what immediate actions you would take to ensure operational continuity and growth. This will reassure them that you're ready to step in and make an impact right away.