Operations Director in Stockport

We are supporting Lignacite, a leading UK manufacturer of sustainable concrete blocks, in their search for an Operations & Production Director. Operating across two major sites in Brandon (Suffolk) and Nazeing (Essex), Lignacite supply high-performance products to the construction industry and are renowned for quality, innovation, and long-term stability.
This is a senior leadership role overseeing all operational performance, people management, and continuous improvement across both manufacturing sites.
Key responsibilities:

• Provide visible, hands-on leadership across both production sites
• Drive operational performance, efficiency, OEE, quality, and safety
• Lead and develop large multi-skilled teams (2 direct reports, 40+ indirect)
• Oversee production planning, resource allocation, and labour management
• Manage capital projects, site upgrades, and new technology implementation
• Maintain high standards in H&S, environmental compliance, and QMS
• Oversee raw materials, inventory control, and product quality assurance
• Lead relationships with key suppliers and manage major contract negotiations
• Support integration of new product innovations into full-scale production

About you:

• Senior operational leader from heavy manufacturing, aggregates, quarrying or related industries
• Highly hands-on and resilient with strong site presence
• Experienced in leading large teams and managing complex operations
• Strong understanding of CI, automation, process optimisation and KPI delivery
• Commercially aware with board-level potential
• Capable of driving cultural change and building high-performing teams

Why join Lignacite?

• Long-established and highly respected UK manufacturer
• Significant influence across two major production sites
• Strong leadership support, including transition with outgoing director
• Excellent long-term progression with clear strategic impact

This is a fantastic opportunity for a driven operations leader to join Lignacite and shape the future of its manufacturing capability.
Apply today for immediate consideration.