Group Operations Director in Bedford

In this role, the Operations Director will ensure that the group’s everyday activities run smoothly and will help business unit managers to concentrate on developing working structures. The tasks include continuous improvement to increase efficiency with lean manufacturing to support consistency and desired levels of service to our customers.

The primary responsibility of this role is to ensure the business delivers a service that satisfies both internal requirements and external customer expectations, via a cohesive use of company processes and procedures. The Operations Director will line manage a team of managers within Production, H&S, Quality & Engineering.

What will you be doing?

• Develop effective processes and procedures to meet corporate objectives and targets for future growth including stock loss and cost reductions.
• Support the management team with implementation of Processes, Policies, including Quality Environmental and Safety through risk assessments, root cause analysis, training and projects.
• Implement and maintain an Operations strategy with the support of the Operations Managers, setting targets to work towards the overarching company objectives.
• Provide strong leadership skills across the group, ensuring a collaborative and proactive culture is established and driven across all areas of Operations to increase efficiencies and reduce waste.
• Establish and improve operational systems, processes, lines, equipment and procedures across all areas of the Warehouse and Production facilities to improve efficiencies, improve communication and eliminate waste.
• Work in collaboration with the Financial Controllers to develop effective Production cost reporting and identify trends.
• Lead and assist managers in establishing and managing departmental budgets, whilst implementing effective plans for growth and development across the group including LEAN management.

What will you bring to the party?

• Sustained experience (8 years plus) in a manufacturing company.
• Relevant qualification in Engineering.
• Strong people management skills (5 years plus in a management role) and experience of developing direct reports with a “hands on” mentality.
• Understanding and knowledge of health and safety legislation including ISO14001, ISO9001 and ISO45001.
• Comprehensive knowledge and proven experience of lean manufacturing practices and modern manufacturing systems.
• Proven experience of operational management, in a fast-paced, people facing and multi-product manufacturing environment.
• Experience across Aerospace & Automotive Manufacturing.