Case Study: Operations Director in the UK Manufacturing Sector

Introduction
We were hired to appoint an Operations Director for a UK manufacturer. The brief was to find a proven operations leader for a complex manufacturing environment. The client had tried networks and advertising without success. We ran an executive search. We delivered a robust evidence led shortlist.

The challenge

• Secure an Operations Director with strong manufacturing operations experience.
• Apply lean and continuous improvement. Use 5S. Use TPM. Use Six Sigma.
• Lead production. Lead planning. Lead supply chain. Lead quality. Lead maintenance. Keep people safe.
• Improve OEE. Improve OTIF. Improve yield. Reduce cost per unit. Reduce scrap. Reduce rework.
• Strengthen HSE compliance. Strengthen audit readiness. Build a zero harm culture.
• Build dependable S&OP. Improve inventory turns. Improve working capital.
• Develop supervisors. Develop managers. Raise engagement on the shop floor.
• Maintain a high on site presence. Visit key suppliers. Visit key customers.

Our approach

• Calibrated the brief and success profile with the leadership team.
• Visited the site. Assessed flow. Identified constraints. Agreed critical metrics.
• Mapped target firms. Precision engineering and metalworking. Automotive tier suppliers. Aerospace and industrial components.
• Engaged high performing operations leaders. Operations Directors. Plant Managers. Site Directors.
• Verified qualifications. Verified lean credentials. Took deep references on delivery. Took deep references on culture. Took deep references on safety.

The result

• Delivered an excellent shortlist within five weeks.
• The appointed Operations Director had a strong record in plant turnaround and lean.
• Early outcomes included stable schedules. Better OTIF. Lower scrap. Lower rework. Safer operations. Stronger audit performance.
• Teams adopted tiered meetings. Teams adopted visual management. Productivity improved. Margins improved. Quality held firm.

Why it worked

• Headhunting reached high performing operations leaders who were not active in the market.
• A clear brief and a structured assessment created confidence.
• Tight timelines kept momentum. The move from shortlist to offer was decisive.

Contact us
If you are hiring an Operations Director we can help.
Call 0207 160 6996
Email info@executiveheadhunters.co.uk
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