Group Operations Director

Full description

Group Operations Director
Skills, Experience, Qualifications, If you have the right match for this opportunity, then make sure to apply today.


Location: Central England – Midlands-based with travel to multiple sites


£150,000 – £165,000 basic salaryPerformance bonus – 25%Car allowance or fully expensed company carMatched pension contributionPrivate healthcare for the executive and familyLife assurance25 days’ holiday plus public holidays An ambitious UK automotive manufacturing group is seeking a Group Operations Director to oversee its multi-site operations. The company operates across several UK locations serving major automotive OEM clients.
With a strong focus on precision engineering, assembly and process automation, the group is entering a phase of operational transformation to standardise processes, improve efficiency, and embed a high-performance culture across its UK operations.


The role demands a senior executive who combines strategic vision with practical, hands-on leadership across operational sites. This is a critical appointment for an experienced leader capable of managing large-scale, high-volume manufacturing operations while driving efficiency, quality, safety, and consistent delivery performance.


Key responsibilities

The Group Operations Director will have full accountability for all operational performance across the group’s UK sitesLeading Directors and site managers across multiple manufacturing sitesEnsuring operational efficiency, quality, safety and cost controlDeveloping and embedding standardised manufacturing processes and lean principlesDriving continuous improvement and automation initiativesManaging the operational P&L and contributing to business growthPartnering with commercial and technical teams to deliver customer requirements for automotive clientsBuilding and mentoring a high-performing operations leadership teamSupporting workforce planning, talent development and operational succession
Key Requirements
Significant senior operational experience in multi-site manufacturing, ideally within Tier 1 automotive supply chainsProven track record of leading operational transformation, standardisation and continuous improvement programsStrong understanding of lean manufacturing, automation, and digital factory initiativesExperience managing high-volume production environments with complex supply chainsDemonstrable P&L ownership and experience in cost optimisationStrong leadership and stakeholder management skills, capable of motivating and developing operational teamsConfident working at Board level and driving strategic operational decisionsDegree qualified in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, MBA or equivalent advantageousBased within a reasonable commuting distance of Central England, with flexibility for site travel
This is a fantastic opportunity for an operational leader to shape the future of a growing UK manufacturing business. The successful candidate will have the authority and responsibility to standardise operations across multiple sites, embed best practice, and ensure consistent delivery for automotive clients while driving efficiency, profitability and a high-performance culture.


How to apply:
Please click “apply”, or for further information, please contact Ajay Bhella at Umbilical Limited. Alternatively, please email me an up-to-date copy of your CV to


Umbilical Limited is committed to promoting Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace. We act as a neutral third party in the recruitment process, basing our candidate searches on skills and experience. xpwpeyx


We do not discriminate based on age, gender, sex, relationship status, disability, race, religion/beliefs, or sexual orientation.