Operations Director - Smart Manufacturing

Oxford Metrics Plc brings together two pioneering companies, Industrial Vision Systems (IVS) and The Sempre Group (Sempre), into one powerful Smart Manufacturing division. Together, we are redefining how the world's leading manufacturers design, measure, inspect, and optimise their production processes. IVS is a global leader in machine vision systems, inspection technologies, and AI-powered solutions. Sempre is a measurement and metrology specialist supporting industries including aerospace, automotive, energy, and precision engineering. Now, as part of Oxford Metrics Plc, IVS and Sempre together form a single division at the forefront of Smart Manufacturing.

From cutting-edge vision inspection to world-class measurement and data-driven process control, we offer a complete ecosystem of solutions for blue-chip customers across the globe.

Role Summary

We are seeking a high-calibre individual to help us grow to the next level. The role requires someone who has been there, done it, and knows what it takes to build, scale, and lead with clear direction and effective communication.

Reporting to the MD Smart Manufacturing Division, you will be a member of the senior team charged with the performance and growth of the Division, meeting metrics for financial performance, delivery of products and services, customer support and service, and establishing superior ways of working across the Division and sites. You will be responsible for delivering outstanding performance and setting the standards for all to meet.

Key Responsibilities

• Management: Logistics and fulfilment ensure orders are scheduled and delivered to meet internal and client expectations.
• Distributors work with supply partners to ensure delivery to agreed timescales and maintain a positive dialogue to keep things on track.
• Service and Support: Manage the team of engineers engaged in installation, calibration, repair, maintenance and customer support in adherence with deliverables and service contracts.
• Quality responsibility for quality processes, conformance and adherence to recognised ISO standards and other market accreditations.
• Supply Chain: assist in partner selection, forecasting deliverables, and driving performance to meet specification, timing and cost.
• Buildings and Facilities: oversee specification, upkeep and housekeeping of sites in the UK and Ireland, with ownership as we scale.
• IT / Security / H&S: coordinate with Group IT and central functions to operate effectively and in conformance with agreed practices.
• Vehicles: implement the structure and commercial realisation of fleet and company car management for the Division.
• Risk: maintain a Divisional risk register and advise on mitigations or actions as needed.
• Driving Change / Structure:
• Quoting and Margin Management: ensure accuracy of quotes for service elements and successful delivery within quoted costs and margins.
• Order to Revenue Conversion: manage order specification and timely conversion to revenue; set KPIs and define deliverables; forecast lead times with clients.
• Projects to Products: drive productisation and repeat sales; maximise development project output.
• Communicate structure and conduct team meetings to maintain delivery cadence.
• Monitor and report performance to targets; establish routine reports and KPIs for continual improvement.
• Collaborate with internal Sales and Technical/Engineering teams to ensure coherent offers and clear client expectations.
• Lead and manage a team across Operations, Service, Production and Quality; participate in the management team and support upwards.
• Prepare for and support growth by establishing operational aspects behind the business growth engine.

Required Skills, Knowledge And Expertise

Educated to degree level in an Engineering discipline with compelling experience in Manufacturing / Precision / Quality environments in Metrology and/or Vision disciplines.

• Must be hands-on and willing to roll up sleeves to get the job done.
• A leader who can also be a member of the team; no job is too small.
• Operations professional with background in Logistics, Supply Chain, Delivery, Projects or related areas in engineering environments driven by specification, exactness, quality, high-frequency production and micrometre precision.
• Proven track record of creating and driving a Delivery function, growing a business and structuring processes for effective performance.
• Experience of managing at the coalface with installation and calibration engineers; understands the language of precision engineering.
• Excellent communicator with the ability to present clear, concise information to a range of audiences.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 25 Days holiday allowance + Bank holidays
• Permanent Health Insurance
• Free On-site Parking, with EV charging points

About Oxford Metrics

Oxford Metrics is a smart sensing and software company that enables the interface between the real world and its virtual twin. Our smart sensing technology helps over 10,000 customers in more than 70 countries.

Employment Details

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Barnwood, Gloucester. Hybrid workplace

Reporting To: Simon Gunter

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer