Job Description

The Company

• A design-led automotive engineering company creating bespoke commercial vehicles, with a sporting edge that\'s unlike anything else on the road. Their partnership with one of the world\'s largest automotive OEMs allows all of its models to be sold and serviced through the OEM\'s franchised dealer network.
• With a team of experienced designers, advanced production techniques, and skilled craftsmen in its head office factory, the business has invested in a new manufacturing facility in Dagenham. Once fully operational, this plant will have 2 production lines, and a semi-automated paint plant.
• As a second-stage manufacturer, the company has become a highly agile and lean business that makes decisions quickly. It has invested significantly in its production and design capability in recent years, particularly in Dagenham - which will be a modern-looking facility, and an attractive place to work.
• Launching a significant production ramp-up in Dagenham, in early 2024, the business now needs a new Operations Director, to lead the recruitment of the site\'s operations team and support staff (up to c. 60 people), the ramp-up in commercial vehicle production, and the ongoing production activities - of both Dagenham and the head office facilities.

The Role

• Reporting to the Managing Director, and a member of the board leadership team, you will be responsible for the start-up of the operational activity of the company\'s new site, as well as taking responsibility for the operations at the existing site, at its head office.
• You will have ownership for developing and delivering the operational requirements, as well as accountability for driving operational excellence in terms of quality, efficiency, delivery, safety, and cost, whilst ensuring you meet or exceed the customers\' expectations. You will also be responsible for overseeing and maintaining the customer and quality certifications required to run their operational business.
• You will be an active member of the executive team of directors, supporting the Managing Director with the strategic development and direction of the business. As such, you will play a leading role in contributing to the profitable growth and future development of the business. You will work closely with your leadership peers, across the Commercial, HR, Design & Engineering, and Supply Chain functions.

The Candidate

• This is a role for an established and effective Manufacturing Operations leader, from a relevant low-volume production environment, such as off-highway and construction vehicles, agricultural machinery, commercial vehicles, and related transportation vehicle manufacturing sectors or complex capital equipment markets. It is possible that a high-volume manufacturing environment would be right for this role - provided it combines experience with a much smaller and lower volume business.
• Qualified, ideally to degree level or equivalent, in a science, engineering, or manufacturing discipline, you will be able to demonstrate a strong commercial and operations management background, with excellent financial acumen and the ability to use financial data to drive and make the right decisions.
• Proven experience of implementation and maintenance of regulatory and customer accreditations and certification, you will possess excellent communication skills, and the ability to build strong relationships internally and externally.

Should you wish to have an informal and confidential discussion before applying, please speak with our advisors at Berwick Partners:

Jonathan Burke

0113 386 8525

In order to proceed with your application, please either:

Click \'Add to list\' if you would like to look at other roles before starting to apply.
Click \'Apply Now\' if you are ready to start now.

Odgers Berndtson