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 company's Northern Ireland locations, reflecting the hands-on leadership nature of the role