Operations Director

Operations Director My client is an established multi-site manufacturing business based near Magherafelt, Northern Ireland. They are recruiting an experienced Operations Director to join the senior leadership team, reporting 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 companys Northern Ireland locations, reflecting the hands-on leadership nature of the role.

Skills:

operational leadership strategic leadership Continuous Improvement Commercial awareness Quality Control Benefits: pension