Group Operations Director
Salary: £70-80,000 + Performance Bonus
Location: Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Build something exceptional.
We're looking for an outstanding operational leader to help shape the future of our growing manufacturing group.
This isn't a role where you'll inherit a mature corporate structure and simply keep the wheels turning. We're looking for someone who enjoys building, improving and leading.
You'll work directly with the founder to take ownership of the day-to-day operations of three ambitious manufacturing businesses, creating the systems, people and processes that will support our next stage of growth.
If you thrive in a fast-moving environment, enjoy solving problems and want the opportunity to make a genuine impact, we'd love to hear from you.
About Us
Our group consists of three complementary manufacturing businesses based in North Yorkshire:
Vanify – One of the UK's leading manufacturers of modular van racking and storage systems, supplying customers nationwide through a strong e-commerce platform.
Plyology – A specialist manufacturer of premium plywood kitchen carcasses and bespoke cabinetry, combining modern CNC manufacturing with outstanding customer service.
Joinery Division – A bespoke joinery business manufacturing high-quality custom products for both commercial and residential customers.
Together, we're building a modern manufacturing group with ambitious growth plans and a strong focus on quality, innovation and customer experience.
The Role
Reporting directly to the founder, you will take responsibility for the operational performance of the group.
Your role will be to ensure every part of the business runs efficiently while continually improving our people, systems and processes.
You'll be expected to lead from the front, spending time on the factory floor as well as in the office, supporting teams, solving problems and driving continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
- Lead the day-to-day operations across all three businesses.
- Manage production planning and manufacturing performance.
- Develop and coach department managers and production teams.
- Improve manufacturing efficiency, productivity and profitability.
- Oversee purchasing, stock control and supplier relationships.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives throughout the business.
- Introduce systems, processes and KPIs that support sustainable growth.
- Ensure excellent customer service and on-time delivery.
- Work closely with sales and product development to support future growth.
- Manage operational budgets and improve margins.
- Champion quality, health & safety and operational excellence.
- Report regularly to the founder on performance, opportunities and challenges.
About You
You'll probably already be an Operations Director, Head of Operations or a senior operational leader looking for the next challenge.
More importantly, you'll be someone who enjoys building businesses rather than simply maintaining them.
You'll have:
- Significant experience in a manufacturing environment.
- A proven track record of improving operational performance.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop teams.
- Commercial awareness and sound business judgement.
- Experience managing production, purchasing and supply chains.
- Excellent organisational and problem-solving abilities.
- Confidence making decisions and taking ownership.
- A practical, hands-on approach with high standards.
- The ability to build systems that allow businesses to scale.
Experience within woodworking, kitchens, furniture, joinery, automotive accessories or similar manufacturing sectors would be advantageous, although we welcome applications from other manufacturing backgrounds.
What We Offer
- £80,000 salary.
- Performance-related bonus.
- Company pension.
- A genuine opportunity to shape and influence the future of a growing manufacturing group.
- Direct access to the founder and the ability to make real decisions.
- A varied and challenging role where no two days are the same.
- The opportunity to grow with the business as we continue to expand.
Why Join Us?
We're not looking for someone to simply manage today's business.
We're looking for someone who wants to build tomorrow's.
If you're excited by creating better systems, developing great people and helping ambitious manufacturing businesses reach their full potential, we'd love to hear from you.
Pay: £70,000.00-£80,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
