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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 manufacturingEngineering or industrial productsMining equipment manufacturingAutomotive componentsChemicals or process manufacturingPackaging or advanced manufacturing Read less