Powders Operations Director in Neath

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Operations Director to lead manufacturing operations across our powder production facilities in the UK and Sweden. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Operations Director will provide strategic and operational leadership across manufacturing, planning, logistics, engineering and maintenance functions. The role is accountable for safe, efficient and profitable operations while driving operational excellence, organisational capability and long-term business growth.

The right candidate will have significant senior leadership experience in manufacturing or industrial environments, with proven success leading multi-site operations. Experience delivering operational excellence and business performance improvements is essential. A strong background in organisational change management, continuous improvement, managing significant operational budgets and capital expenditure programs will be important, along with the ability to lead large, diverse teams through growth and transformation. Experience in a powder metallurgy, advanced materials, metals or related manufacturing sector would be an advantage but is not essential. To be successful, the candidate should be strategic, commercially aware, customer-focused, results-driven and possess strong communication and influencing skills to lead the business through a period of change and growth.

Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership – Lead all powder manufacturing operations across the UK and Sweden facilities. Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with business objectives and growth plans. Drive operational excellence through continuous improvement and best-practice implementation. Ensure achievement of manufacturing, quality, delivery and cost performance targets. Standardise operational processes and KPI management across both locations. Represent Operations as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Health, Safety, Environment and Quality – Champion a strong "Safety First" culture across all operational activities. Ensure compliance with all applicable health, safety, environmental and quality standards and regulations. Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and operational discipline.
• Engineering, Maintenance and Capital Investment – Lead engineering and maintenance functions to ensure asset reliability and operational efficiency. Develop and deliver capital investment programmes supporting business growth and productivity improvements. Support automation, digitalisation and technology deployment initiatives across both sites.
• Supply Chain and Business Performance – Oversee production planning, logistics and material flow to ensure excellent customer service. Contribute to budgets, forecasts and strategic business planning. Deliver productivity improvements, working capital optimisation and cost reduction initiatives. Ensure robust financial controls, governance and risk management processes are maintained.
• Leadership and People Development – Lead, coach and develop site leadership teams across both manufacturing locations. Build organisational capability through succession planning, talent development and workforce planning. Foster employee engagement and create a high-performing culture focused on collaboration and results. Support key customer engagements, audits and strategic business relationships.

This role is based in Neath, South Wales. Regular travel to the site in Sandviken, Sweden is required.

Diversity and inclusion: We value diversity of experience, perspective and background and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for our employees, customers and partners.