Operations Director in Christchurch

Solent Group work with a diverse portfolio of Retailers and supply bespoke products within various categories, including Health & Beauty, Household Impulse Snacking and Reusable Bags. We are proud to be best-in-class when it comes to own-label product innovation. Our Categories are fast-paced with ever-evolving trends and a host of ground-breaking products coming to market on a regular basis – we add value to retailers by leading and owning each category.

Here at Solent we want people to be extraordinary. We pride ourselves on creating and producing amazing products and brands for our Global Customers. You will be joining a company with offices globally across South Africa, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Vietnam, and the UK.

The Operations Director at Solent Group is pivotal in maintaining our agility and efficiency as we deliver leading-edge products and support to our customers. We are proud to set the standard for success in our industry. To help us continue our growth, we seek an experienced Operations Director to join our highly skilled team. This role is ideal for someone with proven senior management experience in a dynamic setting, exceptional organisational, communication, and leadership skills, and a passion for developing innovative solutions that push boundaries.

The Operations Director will work closely with executives to strategize and develop long-term plans that drive new levels of productivity and success. The Operations Director will also manage the entire supply chain and its functions across the group, incorporating the Sales & Operations Planning Function, Logistics network, Group facilities, and the Business Development team focused on continuous improvements and business integrations with M&As. Additionally, the role involves managing the IT network and its 3rd party support partners. The role will ensure the group has a robust and up-to-date Business Continuity Plan (BCP) to ensure business readiness in the event of a disaster across all elements of the business, ensuring resilience and disaster recovery is in place.

Key Requirements:

• Develop, implement, and monitor day-to-day operational systems and processes to provide visibility into the goals, progress, and obstacles of key initiatives.
• Draw on relationships with department heads, external partners, and vendors to make decisions regarding operational activity and strategic goals.
• Plan, monitor, and analyse key metrics for day-to-day operations to ensure efficient and timely completion of tasks.
• Devise strategies for ensuring the growth of programs enterprise-wide and implement process improvements to maximise output and minimise costs.
• Manage the entire supply chain and its functions across the group, including the Sales & Operations Planning Function, Logistics network, Group facilities, and the Business Development team.

About You:

• Ten or more years in a senior leadership role in a relevant field.
• Superior knowledge of multiple operational functions and principles, including finance, customer service, production, and employee management.
• Proven ability to plan and manage operational processes for maximum efficiency and productivity.
• Ability to streamline or implement new structures and roles that boost speed and efficiency while supporting rapidly shifting business demands.
• Masterful organisational, communication, and leadership skills, backed up by previous professional success.

We Offer:

• Competitive salary with annual salary reviews.
• Structured bonuses (based on company & individual performance).
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Salary sacrifice EV scheme.
• 25 days holiday per annum, increasing to 27 days after 3 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service.
• Learning and development and progression opportunities.
• Salary sacrifice pension scheme.
• Solent social events run by our in-house Social Team.