Group Operations Director

UK Multi-Site Manufacturing | Executive Leadership Team
Six-Figure Executive Package + Performance Bonus + Car Allowance + Executive Benefits
Remote based with UK wide travel - Midlands area would be Ideal

Multi-site manufacturing operational leadership within the UK FMCG sector

Exceptional businesses require exceptional operational leadership.

This organisation is a well-established UK manufacturing and processing business with a national footprint, a strong reputation within its sector and ambitious plans for future growth. Operating multiple production facilities across the country, the business has built its success on innovation, operational excellence and a commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices.

As part of its continued development, an outstanding opportunity has arisen for a Group Operations Director to join the Executive Leadership Team and take ownership of operational performance across a diverse multi-site high volume manufacturing network.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director and the Board, you will play a critical role in shaping the future direction of the business, ensuring operational capability remains aligned with growth ambitions while creating a culture that consistently delivers outstanding results.

The Opportunity

This is a highly influential leadership position with responsibility for manufacturing operations across multiple UK sites. Working remotely with regular UK wide travel, you will provide strategic direction and hands-on leadership to a team of experienced operational leaders, ensuring every facility is performing safely, efficiently and commercially.

Key areas of focus will include:

• Building a high-performance operational culture across the manufacturing network.
• Creating consistency in operational standards, processes and leadership behaviours.
• Driving improvements in productivity, asset utilisation and overall site performance.
• Championing a proactive approach to health, safety and environmental stewardship.
• Supporting the delivery of major capital projects and operational investment initiatives.
• Identifying opportunities to improve operational efficiency, profitability and service levels.
• Strengthening leadership capability through coaching, mentoring and succession planning.
• Contributing to wider business strategy as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team.

About You

You will be an accomplished senior manufacturing operations leader with experience in complex, multi-site environments.

You are likely to have held positions such as Operations Director, Manufacturing Director, Regional Operations Director or a comparable executive-level leadership role where you have been accountable for multiple facilities and large operational teams.

You will be able to demonstrate:

• A history of improving operational performance across multiple manufacturing locations.
• Strong leadership credentials with the ability to engage, inspire and challenge teams.
• Experience leading organisational change, business improvement and transformation programmes.
• A solid understanding of lean and continuous improvement strategy and implementation with the ability to deliver robust and sustainable improvements.
• A deep understanding of operational HS&E practice, governance, compliance and risk management.
• Commercial acumen supported by experience managing significant budgets and investment programmes.
• The credibility and presence to influence stakeholders at board and senior leadership level as well as mentor and lead key operational stakeholders.
• A passion for developing people and creating sustainable long-term success.

Applications are welcomed from leaders within FMCG, food or beverage processing, pet food production or associated production environments that require equal legislative and regulatory compliances and quality standards.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

Few roles offer this level of influence, autonomy and scope.

You'll be joining a successful and growing business where operational leadership is recognised as a key driver of future success. The successful individual will have the opportunity to shape strategy, influence investment decisions, develop future leaders and leave a lasting mark on a nationally significant manufacturing operation.

For ambitious operational leaders seeking a role where they can genuinely make a difference, this represents an outstanding career opportunity.

All applications and enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence, so for a confidential discussion and further information, please apply directly.

This role is being managed exclusively by Lord Search & Selection so to apply in confidence and to initiate an informal discussion, please submit a fully CV online detailing your current remuneration package and availability quoting job reference 10452.

Desired Skills and Experience: Manufacturing, Operations, Leadership, Lean, Process, Production, Food, BRC, Compliance, HSE, Quality, Executive, FMCG, CI, Improvement