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.

• 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.

• 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.