Operations Director

Operations Director

• Location: Gateshead / Stanley - Dual Site
• Job Type: Full-time / Permanent

In this influential leadership role, you'll oversee and elevate operations spanning manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, quality, and health & safety. Your strategic vision and operational expertise will be vital in streamlining processes, boosting efficiency, and delivering sustainable, profitable growth. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of our operations while aligning closely with the company's long-term goals.

Day-to-day of the role:

• Strategic Management:

  • Design and implement long-term operational strategies that align with overarching business objectives and drive sustainable growth.
  • Lead cross-functional initiatives aimed at boosting productivity and reducing operational costs across the organisation.
  • Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction, ensuring continuous improvement.

• Leadership:

  • Drive strategic initiatives that enhance growth, profitability, and long-term operational resilience.
  • Lead daily operations across multiple production sites, ensuring optimal performance, efficiency, and output.
  • Manage capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with strategic priorities.
  • Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) to the Board, providing insights that support informed, strategic decision-making.

• Financial Oversight:

  • Analyse cost structures and identify opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies across the business.
  • Develop, manage, and optimise the operational budget, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and financial targets.

• Manufacturing Oversight:

  • Optimise plant operations by streamlining scheduling, maintenance, and resource allocation to maximise uptime and throughput.
  • Oversee key manufacturing processes, including extrusion, injection moulding, thermoforming, and/or blow moulding, ensuring efficiency and quality across all production lines.

• Supply Chain & Logistics:

  • Develop and maintain strong partnerships with suppliers and logistics providers to ensure reliability, cost-effectiveness, and service excellence.
  • Streamline procurement, inventory, and distribution processes to improve supply chain efficiency and support seamless operational flow.

• Quality Assurance:

  • Lead quality and sustainability initiatives focused on enhancing product consistency, reducing waste, and driving continuous improvement.
  • Ensure full compliance with ISO standards, environmental regulations, BRC requirements, and health & safety protocols across all operations.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Bring a minimum of 5 years' experience in a senior leadership role, ideally within the packaging / FMCG industry or a closely related manufacturing sector.
• Demonstrate strong expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma methodologies, and ERP systems to drive operational excellence.
• Showcase exceptional leadership, communication, and analytical problem-solving skills, with a proven ability to lead high-performing teams.
• Proven track record of managing multi-site operations, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and strategic alignment across locations.