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- Tasks: Lead and integrate operations and supply chain functions in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Innovative SME in West Yorkshire with a focus on technical excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits, and the chance to shape operational strategies.
- Other info: Collaborate closely with senior leadership in an agile environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a key leadership role with direct influence on the business.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in operations leadership within a complex manufacturing setting.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Operations Director to lead and integrate our end-to-end operational and supply chain (including procurement) functions within a low-volume, highly technical manufacturing SME. This is a critical leadership role with full responsibility for Production, Quality, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Logistics, and Warehouse operations.
The successful candidate will balance strategic direction with hands-on operational leadership, ensuring operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and scalable processes while supporting innovation and customer delivery in a technically demanding environment.
Key Responsibilities- Operational Leadership
- Provide overall leadership and direction across Production, Quality, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Logistics, and Warehouse functions.
- Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with business objectives and growth plans.
- Lead, mentor, and develop multi-disciplinary teams, fostering accountability, continuous improvement, and collaboration.
- Production & Manufacturing
- Oversee low-volume, high-complexity manufacturing operations, ensuring delivery to quality, cost, and schedule.
- Drive capacity planning, resource optimisation, and production planning.
- Support engineering and NPI activities, ensuring smooth transition from design to manufacture.
- Quality & Compliance
- Own the Quality Management System and ensure compliance with relevant industry standards (e.g. ISO, regulatory or customer-specific requirements).
- Drive a culture of right-first-time, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement.
- Act as senior point of contact for audits, customers, and regulatory bodies.
- Supply Chain & Purchasing
- Develop and manage a resilient supply chain capable of supporting technically complex, low-volume production.
- Lead supplier selection, negotiation, performance management, and risk mitigation.
- Ensure effective purchasing strategies for bespoke, high-value, and long-lead components.
- Logistics & Warehouse
- Oversee inbound and outbound logistics, inventory management, and warehouse operations.
- Ensure material availability while optimising stock levels and working capital.
- Implement systems and processes to improve traceability, accuracy, and efficiency.
- Continuous Improvement & Systems
- Drive Lean, CI, and operational excellence initiatives appropriate to an SME environment.
- Improve processes, data visibility, KPIs, and ERP / MRP utilisation.
- Support scalability as the business grows, without over-engineering solutions.
- Essential
- Proven senior operations leadership experience within an SME manufacturing environment.
- Background in low-volume, high-mix, technically complex manufacturing.
- Strong understanding of Production, Quality, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Logistics, and Warehouse functions.
- Comfortable operating strategically while remaining hands-on and detail-focused.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Desirable
- Experience in regulated or high-reliability industries (e.g. aerospace, defence, nuclear, medical, advanced engineering, electronics, precision manufacturing).
- Formal operations, engineering, or supply chain qualification.
- Track record of scaling operations within a growing SME.
Key leadership role with real influence and autonomy reporting directly to the CEO. Opportunity to shape and scale operations in a technically exciting business. Close collaboration with senior leadership and engineering teams. Agile SME environment where decisions turn into action quickly.
Operations & Supply Chain Director in Leeds employer: W Talent
Contact Detail:
W Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations & Supply Chain Director in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in operations and supply chain management.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your background in low-volume, high-complexity manufacturing makes you the perfect fit for the role. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations & Supply Chain Director in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations & Supply Chain Director role. Highlight your experience in low-volume, high-complexity manufacturing and any relevant leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you've driven operational excellence and led teams in previous roles. We love a good story that showcases your skills!
Showcase Your Achievements: When filling out your application, don’t just list your responsibilities—show us what you’ve achieved! Use metrics and specific outcomes to demonstrate your impact in previous positions. We’re all about results here at StudySmarter!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team. Let’s make it happen!
How to prepare for a job interview at W Talent
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of operations and supply chain management. Brush up on your knowledge of low-volume, high-complexity manufacturing processes, and be ready to discuss how you've successfully led similar operations in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to talk about your leadership approach. Think of examples where you've mentored teams or driven continuous improvement. Highlight how you foster accountability and collaboration, as these are key traits for the role.
✨Understand Compliance and Quality Standards
Since quality and compliance are crucial in this role, make sure you can discuss relevant industry standards like ISO. Share experiences where you've implemented quality management systems or handled audits, showcasing your attention to detail.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-time. Think about challenges you've faced in supply chain management or production planning, and be ready to explain how you navigated those situations effectively.