Director of Operations

Operations Director

Fixed Term Contract (12 to 18 Months) Location: Cambridgeshire Package: Circa £120k to £150k + Benefits + Bonus

Overview & Context

Following sustained growth, we seek an Operations Director to lead our Cambridge operations and shape the global operational strategy for our next phase of expansion. This role is central to a major transition: we are investing in a new manufacturing site and evolving our broader supply chain. Your primary mission is to deliver business continuity throughout the transition and closure of the current site, while building the operational framework for the future.

The Role

Reporting on business performance, you will have full accountability for the manufacturing site, production, quality, materials management, and supply chain to ensure on-time, on-cost delivery of equipment and projects. You will drive operational excellence by embedding Lean methodologies, modern manufacturing practices, and robust H&S standards across the site. You will also manage NPI transitions, optimise a complex supply chain, and lead subcontracting strategies. Given the ongoing contractual work, it is imperative that the site upholds its obligations without interruption.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct the strategic planning and comprehensive readiness for the operational migration, ensuring that production output remains consistently unaffected throughout the transition.
• Direct all manufacturing, materials, and logistics functions to meet production goals while strictly adhering to safety and quality standards.
• Manage supplier negotiations, inventory, and working capital to align with business and product requirements.
• As the principal site leader, you must remain visibly present and accessible, engaging proactively on business changes, retaining essential talent wherever possible, and offering guidance and support as needed.
• Set departmental KPIs, report on performance, and drive continuous improvement (Lean, 5S) across the site and wider operations.
• Work with engineering and project teams to manage NPI and ensure a smooth transition from development to full-scale production.
• Maintain the strategic direction of the site, ensuring technology activities convert into viable products while driving cost-reduction and quality-improvement initiatives.