Operations Director

AtkinsClarke are proud to be supporting a growing, privately backed manufacturing business with the appointment of an Operations Director to lead a recently acquired and evolving operation.

This is a hands‑on leadership role with full operational and P&L responsibility, playing a critical part in the next phase of growth. A key focus will be leading a major site relocation into a new, state‑of‑the‑art facility while ensuring continuity of production and customer delivery.

This role will suit someone who wants genuine ownership, accountability and the opportunity to shape a business.

COMPANY

Our client is a specialist engineering and manufacturing business operating within a highly regulated, quality‑critical environment.

The organisation supplies precision components into a blue‑chip customer base and is now entering a period of investment, modernisation and growth. With strong backing and a clear strategic direction, the focus is on improving operational capability, implementing new systems and building a scalable platform for the future.

OPPORTUNITY

As Operations Director, you will take full accountability for the performance of the site, leading operations, people and processes while driving efficiency and continuous improvement.

A key element of the role will be managing the successful relocation of the business into a new facility, ensuring minimal disruption and setting the foundation for future growth.

Key responsibilities include:

• Full ownership of site operations, including production, quality, health & safety and performance
• Leading and delivering the relocation to a new manufacturing facility
• Taking P&L responsibility, including cost control, investment decisions and profitability
• Driving operational improvements through structured KPIs, reporting and performance management
• Implementing and embedding Lean, CI and best practice manufacturing processes
• Leading ERP/system improvements and moving away from manual processes
• Managing and developing a small but experienced team, fostering accountability and performance
• Building strong relationships with key customers and ensuring high service levels
• Overseeing capacity planning, resource allocation and operational scalability
• Managing suppliers, subcontractors and third‑party providers

This is a highly visible, business‑critical role with the opportunity to make a tangible impact quickly.

PERSON

We’re looking for an experienced and pragmatic operations leader who can balance technical understanding with strong leadership and delivery.

You will bring:

• Proven experience in a senior operations leadership role within manufacturing or engineering
• Strong understanding of precision engineering, machining or complex production environments
• Experience working within regulated sectors (e.g. aerospace, automotive or similar)
• A track record of leading change, transformation or site‑based improvements
• Experience managing complex operations, ideally including site moves or facility upgrades
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills
• A hands‑on, solutions‑focused approach with the ability to drive accountability

You will be comfortable operating in a smaller, evolving business where visibility is high and leadership is critical.

OFFER

A rare opportunity to take ownership of a growing manufacturing business and play a key role in its evolution:

• Salary in the region of Up to £85,000
• Full operational and P&L responsibility
• Opportunity to lead a major site relocation and modernisation project
• High level of autonomy and influence within the business
• Exposure to a strong, blue‑chip customer base
• Benefits package to be shaped as the business evolves

EEO STATEMENT

At AtkinsClarke, we embrace inclusivity and welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. By applying you will be registered as a candidate with Atkins Clarke Ltd. Our Privacy Policy is available on request and explains how we will use your data.

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