UK Operations Director

Do you have the ability to lead and scale complex manufacturing and dispatch operations, and the drive to shape high performing teams in a fast growing, global environment?

Become part of the ASSA ABLOY Key and Asset Management business unit and enjoy a culture that empowers you to build a career you can be proud of.

Note that the role requires regular presence in the Olney office.

What you would do as our Operations Director

As the Operations Director, reporting to the Vice President and Head of Global Operations, KAM, you will lead and manage UK manufacturing and dispatch operations to deliver efficiency, quality, compliance, and profitability. You will drive operational strategy aligned with business objectives, ensuring continuous improvement and regulatory adherence across all UK operations, primarily based at the Olney site.

You would also:

• 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 develope 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.

The skills and experience you need
We are looking for someone who:

• 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.

What we offer

We’re passionate about providing amazing opportunities and benefits, so you can continue and progress a lifelong career with us – here’s what we have to offer:

• 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.

We review applications regularly, so don’t wait

We are building diverse, inclusive teams, and encourage applications from everyone who can see themselves working with us. Just set up your profile and apply here.

To make sure your personal data is safe, we don’t look at any applications sent by email or post. If you have any questions about the role or the process, email Giulia Virde, Talent Acquisition Business Partner, at giulia.virde@assaabloy.com

Let’s create a safer and more open world - together!

To find out more about us, visit www.assaabloy.com

We are the ASSA ABLOY Group
Our people have made us the global leader in access solutions. In return, we open doors for them wherever they go. With nearly 63,000 colleagues in more than 70 different countries, we help billions of people experience a more open world. Our innovations make all sorts of spaces – physical and virtual – safer, more secure, and easier to access. 

As an employer, we value results – not titles, or backgrounds. We empower our people to build their career around their aspirations and our ambitions – supporting them with regular feedback, training, and development opportunities. Our colleagues think broadly about where they can make the most impact, and we encourage them to grow their role locally, regionally, or even internationally.

As we welcome new people on board, it’s important to us to have diverse, inclusive teams, and we value different perspectives and experiences.