At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering and operations to enhance plant performance and profitability.
- Company: Established materials processing business with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, fuel card, pension, and career advancement opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and grow into broader leadership roles.
- Why this job: Make a measurable impact on operational efficiency and financial performance.
- Qualifications: Chartered Engineer with experience in high-volume materials processing environments.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Derby / Nottingham £140,000 + up to 25% bonus + fuel card + pension
Do you enjoy using engineering improvements to make a measurable difference to plant performance and profitability? Can you lead experienced Site Managers and engineering teams, challenge performance and hold people accountable? If so, this is worth a conversation.
The Opportunity
We are recruiting an Engineering Operations Director for an established and highly profitable specialist materials processing business operating a small number of industrial processing sites. This is not a general Operations Director position as you will lead the engineering and operational performance of the business, using your technical understanding of plant, process and production to identify where improvements can be made. In an environment where relatively small improvements in uptime, throughput, recovery and efficiency can produce significant financial gains, you will have the opportunity to make a very visible difference. The business is already performing well. Your job is to make it perform better. You will use plant data, engineering knowledge and strong operational leadership to answer those questions and then make the changes happen.
To Be Successful You Will Be:
- Highly proficient in production engineering environments involving high volumes of material
- Experienced in using data to improve plant uptime, throughput, recovery and production efficiency
- Able to positively challenge Site Managers, Production Managers and engineering teams on performance
- Experienced in driving maintenance strategy to improve plant availability and reliability
- Strong in mechanical plant, materials processing and process optimisation
- Able to identify bottlenecks and understand the levers that improve plant performance
- Commercially strong and able to connect operational improvements to cost per tonne, margin, P&L and EBITDA
- Comfortable working with operational data and spreadsheets to identify where performance is being won or lost
- A strong leader who creates accountability and operates with a genuine say/do mentality
Your Background
This role needs an engineer who has developed into an operational leader, rather than a general Operations Director who happens to manage an engineering team. You will therefore need:
- Experience within aggregates, recycling, quarrying, minerals, waste processing, cement, bulk materials or another high-volume materials processing environment would be relevant.
- Chartered Engineer status, or equivalent professional accreditation, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
- A Mechanical, Production, Chemical, Process or closely related engineering background
- Significant senior management experience within an industrial or process environment
- A strong track record of improving plant and operational performance
The Role
Based primarily from the Nottingham/ Derby area, you will take responsibility for engineering and operations across three sites. You will lead the Site Managers and work closely with production, maintenance and engineering teams to:
- Maximise plant performance and availability
- Improve throughput and recovery
- Reduce avoidable downtime
- Strengthen preventative maintenance and plant reliability
- Improve labour and operational productivity
- Reduce cost per tonne
- Identify and deliver engineering improvements
- Support plant upgrades and capital projects
- Improve operational reporting and accountability
- Maintain strong safety and compliance standards
- Translate engineering and operational improvements into better financial performance
What Makes This Opportunity Different?
The business is established, profitable and has ambitious plans for its next stage. You will be joining at a point where you can work alongside an experienced senior team, gain a detailed understanding of the operation and play a significant role in how the business develops from here. For someone who delivers strongly and demonstrates the wider commercial and leadership capability, there is scope for the position to develop into broader business leadership in the future, potentially at Managing Director level.
Director of Engineering And Operations in Leicester employer: Precision People
As an Engineering Operations Director at our established and profitable materials processing business in the Derby/Nottingham area, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that values innovation and accountability. We offer competitive compensation, including a substantial bonus structure and benefits like a fuel card and pension, while fostering employee growth through opportunities to lead and implement impactful engineering improvements. Join us to make a measurable difference in plant performance and profitability, all within a supportive environment that encourages professional development and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Engineering And Operations in Leicester
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Precision People, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Engineering And Operations in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Precision People specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Precision People
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Precision People, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Precision People value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
