Operations Director – Large Format Print

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This position has now been filled, but has been left on our website as we have other similar vacancies to this on an ongoing basis that might interest you. More importantly, we have vacancies that are not advertised due to their confidential nature therefore it would certainly be in your interest to email your CV, as a word document, depending on which sector you are in, to :-

Head of Packaging recruitment – Greg Nelson – greg@harrison-scott.co.uk

Head of Print recruitment–Neil Pearson – neil@harrison-scott.co.uk

Head Paper recruitment – Gary Young – gary@harrison-scott.co.uk

Board level, account management and all levels of sales vacancies –

George Thompson – george@harrison-scott.co.uk

Our divisional heads will then email your CV internally to the consultant who specialises in your exact sector, for example a category of packaging is cartons, a category of print is print management, in fact we have over 30 specialist categories. Our specialist consultant will contact you if we have a live vacancy that matches, or contact you in the near future as soon a good match to skill set and experience becomes available.

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A leading independent specialist in the production of large format print is looking to appoint an Operations Director. This client offers an extensive range of print, production and construction solutions throughout the UK. Their service, ideas, technology and cost-efficiency make them a supplier that is championed by exciting, discerning clients including big-name brands and some of the UK’s most prominent creative agencies.

Role & accountabilities

The Operations Director’s main accountability will be to oversee all aspects of production and fulfilment operations, ensuring jobs are delivered on time and meet

There are four key areas to manage:

1. Print

• Monitor incoming work and oversee the production schedule and operator rotas

• Maintain the digital jobs board, ensuring information is up to date and priorities are clearly communicated

• Installation

• Plan and manage fitting schedules for both internal and external fitters

• Allocate fitters to production tasks during downtime or as demand fluctuates

• Delivery

• Schedule drivers and optimise delivery routes

• Assign drivers to production tasks during non-delivery periods as needed

• Pre-Press

• Ensure the pre-press function runs smoothly and that the file prep team is adequately resourced to meet workload demands

Commercial acumen and P&L responsibility

While the main accountability is to oversee production, our client is looking for an organised individual with leadership skills, commercial acumen and an instinct for efficiency.

The candidate must also be financially savvy and will own the production & operations cost centre, containing the following items:

• Materials and ink purchases

• Direct labour (production staff)

• Delivery & installation costs

• Energy costs

• Equipment hire & maintenance

• Other direct costs (e.g. waste disposal and other cost of sales)

An annual performance bonus will be paid based on gross profit, calculated as revenue minus the above costs.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Recruitment, performance management and disciplinary of production staff

• Manage and approve overtime, holidays and sick leave for production staff

• Identify production bottlenecks and advise on new machinery requirements

• Cross-train production staff on different machines and processes

• Continuously optimise the production workflow for efficiency

• Reduce waste, e.g. by minimising roll changes between jobs

• Ensure health and safety compliance

• Ensure the factory is clean and tidy

• Negotiate with suppliers to obtain cost savings on materials and inks

• Serve as the primary point of contact for advice on jobs to the sales team

• Advise on capex programs

The Operations Director will often be the most senior person on site and will be expected to set culture, lead by example, and intervene when necessary.

Requirements Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a senior operations or production management role, preferably in large-format printing

• Proven track record of managing similar sized teams and delivering operational excellence in a fast-paced environment

Leadership skills

• Strong people management experience, including recruitment, training, and performance management

• Proactive, self-motivated, and able to take ownership of the role with minimal oversight and a strong sense of accountability as the owner is not regularly on-site

• Excellent communication skills to liaise effectively with staff and suppliers

• Ability to set a positive culture, lead by example, and make decisive interventions when necessary

Organisational skills & technical knowledge

• Familiarity with production workflows, including scheduling and resource allocation

• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, production bottlenecks, and tight deadlines

• An understanding of machinery and processes used in the large-format print industry is an advantage

• Candidate should be proficient in using digital production management tools and Microsoft 365

Commercial acumen

• Financial literacy with experience managing budgets, cost centres, and P&L accountability is an advantage • Evidence of negotiation skills to secure cost savings from suppliers and manage operational costs effectively is an advantage