Director of Operations to Managing Director

ParkinsonLee Executive Search is partnering with a dynamic and ambitious global manufacturing group serving multinational blue-chip Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and customers in over 80 countries. Operating a robust global platform, the group has manufacturing facilities across the UK, Italy, Spain, and Thailand, supported by sales offices in key regions worldwide. This opportunity is for one of their specialist product solutions subsidiaries, a £50M turnover manufacturing business with three UK production sites and a workforce of 250. Positioned for significant growth, the business requires a transformational leader to drive operational performance and lead cultural change, creating a foundation for sustained profitability and excellence. The Opportunity We are seeking a progressive, business-acute Operations Director ready to step into their first Managing Director position. With a proven track record of multi-site operational turnaround, this role offers the chance to mentor, coach, and instil accountability within teams while progressing to full P&L leadership. Reporting to the Board, the successful candidate will drive commercial and financial performance and foster a culture of ownership, engagement, and high performance. Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership : Oversee and optimise production operations across all sites, driving improvements in OEE, productivity, and quality to achieve world-class performance. Cultural and Performance Transformation : Embed accountability and continuous improvement, empowering teams to take ownership and deliver enhanced results. Coaching and Mentorship : Develop leadership capacity across the business, cultivating operational excellence and stronger commercial behaviours. Commercial Collaboration : Partner with the Commercial Director to align operations with profitable sales growth, focusing on customer-centricity and financial performance. Visible Leadership : Engage directly with shop floor teams to understand challenges, build relationships, and implement sustainable change from the ground up. Key Experience & Attributes Significant experience leading operational turnaround across multi-site manufacturing environments. Demonstrable expertise in cultural change, employee engagement, and driving accountability. Proven ability to improve OEE and embed continuous improvement practices. A hands-on, high-visibility leadership style, with strong coaching and mentoring skills. Commercial acumen with experience working closely with sales to enhance profitability. A forward-thinking mindset, ready to transition into full P&L and business leadership. Qualifications A strong background in operations management, progressing from an apprenticeship and/or holding a relevant degree in engineering, manufacturing, or a related discipline. The Package Base salary : £120,000 per annum, with a comprehensive executive package and performance-based incentives. This is a unique opportunity for an Operations Director looking to take the next step in their career, delivering impactful change and leading a business to achieve new levels of success.

Location: Lancashire, GB

Posted Date: 1/30/2025