Operations Director in Merthyr Tydfil

Operations Director – Specialist Manufacturing Location: South Wales Contract: Permanent Hours: 39 hours per week, Monday to Friday The opportunity An established specialist manufacturing business operating within highly regulated sectors is looking to appoint an experienced Operations Director to join its senior leadership team and lead the company’s operational strategy. Reporting directly to the CEO, this is a senior leadership appointment with responsibility for operational performance, cost control, organisational capability and continuous improvement. The successful candidate will lead a multidisciplinary management team, including the Operations Manager, and work closely with functions including production, engineering, purchasing, materials, quality, new product introduction, finance and HR. This is an excellent opportunity for an accomplished Operations Director, Head of Operations or equivalent senior manufacturing leader who can combine strategic leadership with a thorough understanding of day-to-day manufacturing operations. Key responsibilities Develop and deliver the company’s operational strategy in line with its wider commercial objectives. Translate business strategy into clear operational priorities, performance targets and improvement plans. Lead, support and develop the Operations Manager and wider management team. Maintain strategic oversight of manufacturing performance, including quality, delivery, productivity, capacity and customer service. Ensure the appropriate people, equipment and materials are available to meet current and future business requirements. Drive operational excellence and create a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement. Ensure compliance with all relevant quality, regulatory and industry standards. Take responsibility for operational budgets, planning and cost-control activities, working closely with the CEO and finance function. Analyse operational and financial performance to identify opportunities to increase efficiency and profitability. Lead 5S and other continuous-improvement initiatives throughout the operation. Oversee performance-management processes, training requirements and skills matrices. Work closely with engineering and quality teams to support process development and the successful introduction of new products. Develop strong relationships with key customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders. Lead cross-functional business-improvement and growth projects. Identify operational risks and maintain effective contingency and business-continuity plans. Provide the CEO with accurate operational insight to support strategic decision-making. Represent the business professionally when engaging with customers, suppliers and relevant industry stakeholders. About you You will already be operating at Operations Director, Head of Operations or an equivalent senior manufacturing leadership level, with responsibility extending beyond production management into operational strategy, financial performance and organisational development. You will be able to demonstrate: * Significant senior leadership experience within a specialist manufacturing environment. * Experience working within a highly regulated or quality-critical sector. * Experience leading multidisciplinary management teams, including senior operational managers. * A successful track record of developing and implementing operational strategy. * Strong commercial and financial awareness, including budgetary responsibility and cost control. * Evidence of improving quality, delivery, productivity, efficiency and profitability. * Strong knowledge of quality management systems, regulatory compliance and continuous improvement. * Experience supporting business growth, investment, new product introduction or organisational change. * The ability to provide strategic direction while maintaining a clear understanding of operational performance. * Experience managing relationships with senior customers, suppliers and other key stakeholders. * Excellent leadership, communication and decision-making skills. * A practical, calm and solutions-focused approach to complex operational challenges. Your leadership style You will be a visible and credible leader who can establish strong relationships at every level of the business. You will be comfortable challenging existing practices, setting clear expectations and holding people accountable while creating an inclusive and supportive working environment. The successful candidate will be commercially minded, improvement-focused and capable of balancing immediate operational demands with the company’s longer-term objectives. Why apply? This is a high-impact senior leadership appointment offering the opportunity to: * Shape and deliver the operational strategy of an established specialist manufacturer. * Work closely with the CEO and influence key business decisions. * Lead and develop an experienced multidisciplinary management team. * Drive meaningful improvements across quality, delivery, efficiency and profitability. * Play a central role in the company’s continued growth and development. Competitive salary package All applications and enquiries will be treated with complete confidentiality