Operations Director

Hays Engineering & Manufacturing is delighted to be partnering with Hitachi Construction Machinery (UK), on a retained basis to appoint their Operations Director, based at their sites in Newcastle, UK.

Hitachi Construction Machinery (UK) Ltd is a leading provider of construction machinery solutions. CM is committed to delivering high-quality and efficient products while continually innovating and offering first-class solutions to its ever-growing and long-standing customer base. 

About your new role:

Due to continued and consistent growth and success, HCM is seeking to appoint a dynamic and experienced Operations Director to join the Senior Leadership Team and drive strategic and operational excellence. This is a newly created role and a wonderful opportunity for an ambitious and proven Operations Director.

Reporting to the CEO, the newly appointed Operations Director will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering strategic plans while providing operational leadership. You will oversee the development, performance, and maintenance of the customisation, assembly, and manufacturing facilities, ensuring high-quality and efficient solutions to maximise performance and profitability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Delivery: Develop and implement customisation strategies aligned with HCMUK’s goals and values. Drive lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manufacturing Management: Oversee all customisation activities, ensuring maximum efficiency and timely, cost-effective production whilst driving quality excellence. Monitor and address KPI variances.
• Engineering Operations: Collaborate with the engineering director to align engineering activities with manufacturing goals. Lead engineering strategies to enhance processes and product quality.
• Collaborative Relationships: Work with cross-functional teams to support new product development and process improvements. Working closely with internal and external stakeholders to provide innovative solutions that anticipate the needs of customers based on the Customer Interest First ethos.
• Team Leadership and Development: Lead by example, promoting a culture of safety first, professionalism, and continuous improvement. Mentor and develop the team, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
• P&L Management: Responsibility for the department as a profit centre, manage monthly targets against KPI’s, optimise inventory management, cost control, and financial reporting. Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives.
• Innovation and Technology: Leverage technology and data analytics for operational improvements and innovation. Manage development teams to provide engineering solutions, reducing turnaround times, cost, and enhancing customer solutions.
• Risk Management and Compliance: Ensure compliance with industry regulations and safety standards. Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for manufacturing issues.

To be successful, you will be:

• Qualified to bachelor’s degree level in Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations Management, or similar.
• Experience in a senior manufacturing leadership role, with a track record of improving operational efficiencies and increased production outputs for a UK manufacturing business.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Qualifications in lean process practices such as Kaizen & Six Sigma would be a distinct advantage.
• Excellent leadership skills; able to develop, mentor, and grow your teams.
• Thorough understanding of business management systems, including but not limited to ISO9001, ISO45001, and ISO14001.
• First-class communications skills, with the ability to present to all levels and manage internal and external stakeholders
• Exceptional problem-solving skills with an unflappable approach.
• Financial acumen and experience in budget management.
• IT literate with proficiency in data analytics.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Right to work in the UK without expiry is essential.
• Full UK driving licence is essential
• This is a site-based role 5 days a week in Hebburn; therefore, you must be within commutable distance of the site or seeking to relocate if successful in your application.

Preferred Qualifications:

• NEBOSH General Certificate, IOSH Safety Certificate, or equivalent.
• Six Sigma black belt

What’s in it for you:

You will be joining a forward-thinking, dynamic, and growing business, as well as a team that values innovation, collaboration, and excellence. This is a highly autonomous opportunity to be accountable for the operational aspects of a multi-site operation with a team of highly skilled professionals and a critical part of the SLT. This opportunity offers a competitive remuneration package, which will be discussed in detail during initial conversations.

Additional Benefits Include:

• 24 days of annual leave + BH 
• Buy & sell AL scheme
• Pension Scheme
• Critical Illness Cover
• Private Medical Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Death in Service
• Benefits Hub
• Cycle to Work Scheme

How to Apply:

HCM is partnered with Karly Clark- Senior Business Director at Hays, for a confidential conversation you can contact Karly directly. You will be contacted within 10 working days to discuss your application if your application meets the essential criteria for this role.