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An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an Operations Director to lead the performance, growth, and transformation of a key manufacturing facility in Norfolk/Suffolk region.
As the site's most senior leader, you will hold full responsibility for operational excellence, safety, quality, cost, and delivery, ensuring the site consistently achieves business and financial targets. You'll lead a multi-functional team, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and represent the facility within a global organisation known for its engineering innovation in the electronics, aerospace and defence sectors.
Key Responsibilities of the Operations Director
Leadership & Strategy
- Lead the overall operations of the site, setting strategic direction and performance priorities.
- Translate corporate objectives into actionable plans, aligning the site with regional and global business goals.
- Act as the primary site representative for employees and external stakeholders.
Operational Excellence
- Oversee all operational functions, including production, supply chain, and EH&S/facilities management.
- Drive efficiency and performance through Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ensure consistent delivery of key performance indicators (KPIs) across product delivery, quality, cost and safety.
Financial & Business Performance
- Deliver site-level revenue/margin targets.
- Manage budgets, forecasts, and capital investments with commercial rigour.
- Identify and execute cost reduction, productivity, and process improvement initiatives.
People & Culture
- Lead, develop, and coach departmental leaders to ensure strong functional capability and succession depth.
- Build a culture of safety, accountability, and operational excellence.
- Champion employee engagement, development, and performance management programmes.
Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
- Partner with regional and global leadership teams on capacity planning, capital investments, and operational strategy.
- Serve as the key site contact for customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies, including defence authorities.
Experience & Qualifications
Essential skills for the Operations Director:
- Ideal degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related discipline.
- 10+ years of progressive leadership in manufacturing, including 5+ years in site or plant management.
- Proven success in delivering operational and financial results.
- Strong background in Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and process transformation.
- Experience in the electronics, aerospace, defence, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
- Eligibility for, or possession of, UK Baseline Security Clearance.
- Employment sponsorship is not available.
Desirable:
- Experience of aerospace and defence programmes.
- Track record in leading turnaround or transformation within a manufacturing facility.
Leadership Attributes
- Hands-on Leader: Visible, engaged, and operationally focused.
- Strategic Thinker: Converts corporate objectives into site-level success.
- Operationally Disciplined: Ensures precision, compliance, and consistency.
- People Developer: Builds capability and empowers high-performing teams.
Why Join
- A high-impact leadership role with full site accountability and visibility within a global organisation.
- The opportunity to lead and transform a flagship facility operating at the forefront of engineering and manufacturing excellence.
- Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and performance-based incentives.
For a confidential discussion about the Operations Director role, please send your CV to Adam Walker, Retained Consultant.
