Director - Manufacturing Operations

About the role

Smart4 Energy is seeking an experienced Director of Manufacturing Operations to lead a large‑scale production business through its next phase of operational excellence, transformation and growth. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will shape strategy, optimise performance and drive a high‑performing, safety‑focused culture in a complex, engineering‑led environment.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute the manufacturing strategy aligned with business growth and long‑term objectives.
• Lead multidisciplinary manufacturing functions—including production, engineering, quality, supply chain and continuous improvement—to achieve operational excellence.
• Drive productivity, efficiency and profitability through Lean Manufacturing and data‑driven decision‑making.
• Oversee manufacturing planning, production execution and customer delivery performance.
• Manage operational budgets, cost control and profitability while identifying waste‑reduction opportunities.
• Lead transformation initiatives such as automation, digital manufacturing and modern continuous‑improvement methodologies.
• Build leadership capability through coaching, mentoring and succession planning.

Required profile

• Proven senior manufacturing executive with a track record of leading large, complex operations.
• Commercially minded leader capable of balancing strategic thinking with hands‑on execution.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets and driving profitability.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cultural change, safety initiatives and high‑performance teams.

Required skills

• Lean Manufacturing
• Continuous improvement methodologies
• Automation and digital manufacturing technologies
• Data‑driven performance management
• Operational planning and execution