Director of Operations

About the role

The Director of Operations will lead all operational, manufacturing, technical and engineering functions within a specialty chemical manufacturing environment that serves the Oil & Gas sector. This senior leader will drive operational excellence, process optimisation and asset reliability while ensuring safety, cost‑effectiveness and compliance.

Key responsibilities

• Lead Manufacturing, Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Reliability, Quality and Technical Support functions.
• Develop and implement operational strategies, KPIs and continuous‑improvement programmes aligned with business goals.
• Drive manufacturing excellence, process optimisation, asset reliability and overall operational efficiency across production sites.
• Oversee production planning, plant performance, maintenance execution and operational risk management.
• Ensure compliance with HSE, process safety, environmental and quality standards.
• Lead plant upgrades, expansion projects and technical improvement initiatives.
• Support product development and scale operations to meet market demands.
• Manage operational budgets, cost‑optimisation initiatives and overall business performance.
• Develop high‑performing teams and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical Engineering preferred); MBA/EMBA is an advantage.
• Minimum 15 + years of experience in chemical manufacturing, petrochemical, oil & gas or industrial operations.
• Proven leadership of large operational teams and complex industrial facilities.
• Strong understanding of specialty chemicals manufacturing, process safety, asset integrity and operational excellence.
• Experience managing operational KPIs, budgets and performance‑improvement programmes.
• Relevant certifications in reliability, asset management, process safety or project management are preferred.

Required skills

• Chemical engineering principles
• Manufacturing operations management
• Process safety management
• Asset reliability and integrity
• Reliability engineering
• Maintenance management
• Project management
• Process improvement methodologies