Director - Manufacturing Operations
A well-established industrial manufacturing organisation is seeking an accomplished Director - Manufacturing Operations to lead a large-scale production business through its next phase of operational excellence, transformation and growth.
This is a rare opportunity for a proven manufacturing executive to shape strategy, optimise performance and lead a high-performing operation within a complex, engineering-led manufacturing environment. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you'll be responsible for driving operational performance, profitability, continuous improvement and organisational capability across multiple manufacturing functions.
The Opportunity:
As a member of the executive leadership team, you will develop and execute the manufacturing strategy, ensuring operational excellence across production, engineering, quality, supply chain and continuous improvement.
This role requires a commercially minded leader who can balance strategic thinking with operational execution while building a culture focused on safety, accountability, innovation and performance.
Key Responsibilities:
Executive Leadership
- Develop and execute the manufacturing strategy in support of business growth and long-term objectives.
- Lead a large, multidisciplinary manufacturing operation, driving a high-performance culture across all functions.
- Partner with the executive team to deliver strategic initiatives and operational excellence.
- Build leadership capability through coaching, mentoring and succession planning.
Operational Excellence
- Drive productivity, efficiency and operational performance across the manufacturing business.
- Lead Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance quality, throughput and profitability.
- Champion operational excellence through data-driven decision-making and performance management.
- Oversee manufacturing planning, production execution and customer delivery performance.
Commercial & Financial Performance
- Take full accountability for operational budgets, cost management and manufacturing profitability.
- Identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce waste and optimise operational costs.
- Monitor key business metrics and implement strategies that support sustainable financial performance.
Transformation & Innovation
- Lead operational transformation initiatives, including automation and digital manufacturing improvements.
- Drive the adoption of modern manufacturing practices and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Foster a culture of innovation that supports long-term operational competitiveness.
Governance, Safety & Quality
- Ensure the highest standards of health, safety, quality and regulatory compliance.
- Lead risk management initiatives and strengthen operational governance.
- Promote a workplace culture built on accountability, engagement and continuous improvement.
About You:
- Degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical or a related Engineering discipline.
- Postgraduate qualification in Business, Engineering Management or a related field will be advantageous.
- Extensive senior leadership experience within complex manufacturing environments.
- Proven success leading operational transformation, productivity improvement and manufacturing excellence initiatives.
- Strong commercial acumen with accountability for operational performance, profitability and cost management.
- Exceptional leadership skills with experience managing large multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, operational excellence and continuous improvement principles.
Preferred Experience:
We're particularly interested in leaders with experience in:
- Heavy industrial manufacturing
- Engineering or industrial products
- Mining equipment manufacturing
- Automotive components
- Chemicals or process manufacturing
- Packaging or advanced manufacturing
Director - Manufacturing Operations
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