Director of Operations

A fast-growing deep-tech business building advanced hardware, now at the point where the challenge shifts from proving the technology to manufacturing it at scale. The technical foundations are strong; what they need now is operational leadership to match.

Company mission

Developing advanced hardware products and scaling them from low-volume production to full manufacturing readiness.

Role Overview

Own supply chain, manufacturing and site operations, bringing structure and clear direction as the business scales. You will work closely with existing teams, improving processes without overcomplicating them, and there is a defined succession path with current leadership planning a gradual handover over the coming years.

Based in Sheffield, 3 days per week on-site, with a relocation package available. Salary from £85k+, flexible depending on experience.

What You'll Own

Supply Chain and Production

• Leading supply chain and production operations across a small but growing manufacturing environment
• Driving operational performance across suppliers, production and delivery
• Overseeing site operations and keeping day-to-day activity running efficiently

Scaling and Improvement

• Guiding the transition from low-volume production to scalable manufacturing
• Improving processes, systems and workflows alongside existing teams
• Supporting ERP implementation and ongoing process development

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Background in semiconductor, electronics or deep-tech hardware environments
• Experience in operations or manufacturing leadership roles
• Understanding of supply chain, production and the challenges of scaling
• A hands-on, pragmatic approach suited to a smaller, less structured environment

Useful

• Experience stepping up into broader Director-level responsibility
• Exposure to ERP implementation or systems rollout

You will join at a stage where your impact is immediate and visible: real ownership, the chance to shape how operations evolve, and a key part in scaling a technically strong business. Well-suited to someone who enjoys building rather than maintaining.

Get in touch for a confidential conversation. Imogen@waverecruitment.co.uk