Lead manufacturing and dispatch operations across the UK, ensuring the delivery of high‑quality products and services to internal and external customers worldwide while maintaining productivity, cost control, and operational excellence.
Define and execute operational strategy, contributing to overall business planning, setting operational goals, and delivering strategic initiatives that align site and UK operations with Global Solutions and KAM business area strategies.
Drive financial and performance management, including ownership of operational budgets, KPI management, cost‑saving initiatives, performance reporting, and continuous data‑driven improvement.
Build and develop high‑performing teams, recruiting, mentoring, and developing leaders and operational staff, driving workforce planning, succession strategies, and fostering a positive, transparent, and accountable culture.
Ensure governance, compliance, and future readiness, including adherence to UK health & safety, SHEQ, environmental and corporate standards, while supporting global initiatives such as ERP rollouts, new site setups, production lines, and footprint or capability development projects.

Has extensive leadership experience in manufacturing or operations, with a strong background in assembly environments and proven site‑level or P&L responsibility within complex, multi‑functional organisations.
Demonstrates expertise in operational excellence and continuous improvement, with hands‑on experience using Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma, or similar CI methodologies to optimise production, warehouse, and material flows.
Brings strong financial and systems capability, including budget management, KPI governance, and experience with integrated production and materials planning systems such as MRP, SAP, or equivalent.
Is a confident change leader and communicator, able to manage transformation, consolidation, relocation, or scale‑up initiatives while engaging and influencing senior stakeholders effectively.
Has a solid foundation in compliance and governance, with proven experience in UK regulatory environments, SHEQ systems, and corporate standards for quality, safety, facilities management, and operational excellence.

Learning and career development opportunities, whether it’s online learning, management training or enhancing your skills.
A competitive salary and incentive scheme.
25 days holiday + bank holidays.
Ex gratia day for Christmas Eve.
Access to an online benefits portal.
ASSA ABLOY Family Brand discount (Yale).
3 × annual salary life cover.
Company pension scheme (standard 5%).
Annual performance‑related bonus.
Access to Employee Care scheme.

Operations Director

Key skills