Operations Director

Operations Director - Warehousing, Quality Control, and Prefabrication
Smethwick
£65,000 - £70,000 + Car Allowance

SF Recruitment are recruiting for an Operations Director to join our established manufacturing client based in Smethwick.

Position Summary
The Operations Director will be responsible for overseeing all warehousing, quality control, and prefabrication activities. This role ensures that operations are efficient, high-quality, and in line with the company's strategic goals. The ideal candidate will provide leadership, develop and implement processes, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. They will manage key operational teams, optimize resources, and ensure that products meet required specifications and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Warehousing Operations
- Oversee the warehousing functions to ensure the safe and efficient storage, handling, and dispatch of products.
- Implement best practices in inventory management, ensuring accurate stock levels to support customer demand
- Ensure the warehouse operates in compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
- Develop and implement systems to enhance warehouse efficiency, including lean processes where appropriate, inventory tracking systems, and space utilisation.

2. Quality Control
- Lead the quality control team to ensure all products meet established standards and specifications.
- Develop and maintain quality control policies, processes, and procedures that align with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
- Implement continuous improvement strategies to proactively address and prevent quality issues.
- Oversee quality audits, inspection activities, and corrective action plans to maintain the highest quality standards.

3. Prefabrication Operations
- Oversee the prefabrication processes, ensuring that production meets both quality and schedule requirements.
- Lead initiatives to improve manufacturing processes, reduce waste, and improve productivity.
- Collaborate with design, engineering, and procurement teams to streamline prefabrication activities.
- Develop performance metrics for prefabrication, ensuring optimal resource allocation and minimizing downtime.

4. Leadership and Team Management
- Provide leadership to a cross-functional team, setting clear goals, expectations, and performance standards.
- Develop and coach team members, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented work culture.
- Ensure all teams comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders to support operational goals.

5. Strategic Planning and Continuous Improvement
- Collaborate with senior management colleagues to develop and implement the operations strategy.
- Identify and lead continuous improvement projects, driving innovation across warehousing, quality control and prefabrication.
- Monitor operational performance through KPIs and benchmarks, identifying areas for cost savings and operational efficiency.
- Stay informed about industry trends, technological advancements, and best practices to ensure that operations are competitive.

Qualifications and Experience
- A formal qualification in Operations Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
- 10+ years of relevant experience in operations management, with significant experience in warehousing, quality control, and prefabrication.
- Proven leadership experience, with the ability to manage and inspire large teams.
- Strong knowledge of inventory management, quality control standards, and lean manufacturing principles.
- Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to implement solutions that drive efficiency and quality.
- Strong understanding of safety and compliance regulations within manufacturing and warehousing environments.

Competencies
- Leadership: Ability to inspire, motivate, and guide teams towards operational excellence.
- Analytical Thinking: Proficiency in using data to make informed decisions and drive improvements.
- Communication: Excellent communication skills for engaging effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
- Project Management: Ability to oversee multiple projects and meet deadlines within budget.
- Adaptability: Capable of thriving in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.

This role requires a highly motivated and strategic leader with a hands-on approach to optimizing operations, a commitment to quality, and the ability to drive change within a high-performance culture. The Operations Director will be a critical role.