Operations Director
My client, a well-established multi-site manufacturing business based near Magherafelt, Northern Ireland, is seeking to appoint an experienced Operations Director to report directly to the Board.
This is a key senior leadership appointment within an owner-led organisation, offering the opportunity to shape operational performance, strengthen leadership capability and build a scalable manufacturing platform to support future growth.
The successful candidate will provide strategic and operational leadership across Production, Planning, Supply Chain, Engineering & Maintenance, Quality, Health & Safety, Dispatch, Warehouse and Operational Customer Service functions.
This role will suit a visible, hands-on operational leader who combines strong commercial awareness with a practical approach to improving performance, developing teams and delivering sustainable operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
Provide overall leadership of multi-site manufacturing operations, ensuring safe, efficient and consistent production performance while strengthening operational structure and accountability.
Performance & Continuous Improvement
Drive productivity, efficiency and waste reduction initiatives, using clear KPI reporting and performance reviews to improve delivery, quality and operational discipline.
Strategy & Capacity Planning
Work closely with the Managing Director and Board to develop and deliver a three-year operational plan aligned to growth, capacity and investment priorities.
People & Leadership
Develop and lead management teams across all sites, establishing clear reporting structures, building capability and embedding a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Quality, Compliance & Safety
Ensure operations maintain strong compliance standards within an ISO-certified environment, reinforcing quality governance and safe working practices.
Supply Chain & Asset Performance
Oversee planning, supply chain and engineering functions to ensure material availability, reliable equipment performance and effective operational flow.
Essential Criteria
- A minimum of 5 years senior leadership experience within a manufacturing environment.
- Proven track record of improving productivity, operational efficiency and delivery performance.
- Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams including production, planning, engineering, quality and logistics.
- Experience managing and developing middle managers.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing cost drivers and operational KPIs.
- Experience operating within a regulated or ISO-certified manufacturing environment.
- Commercial awareness with the ability to link operational performance to margin and cash flow.
- Degree, HND or significant equivalent experience in Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations or Business.
- Candidates must be available to work on site daily across the company’s Northern Ireland locations, reflecting the hands-on leadership nature of the role.
Desirable
- Multi-site leadership experience.
- Experience within construction products, fabrication, engineered or building product manufacturing.
- Lean or Continuous Improvement qualification.
- IOSH, NEBOSH or similar Health & Safety qualification.
- Experience supporting automation or capital investment projects.