Composed of Chromalox, Durex Industries, Vulcanic, and Thermocoax businesses, Electrical Thermal Solutions (ETS), part of Spirax Group, creates electrical process heating and temperature management solutions, including industrial heaters and systems, heat tracing, and a range of component technologies. Vulcanic has been designing and manufacturing electrical heating and cooling solutions since 1973, offering a wide range of standard, customized and engineered solutions for safe and hazardous environments. Vulcanic teams support partners with designs of products ranging from process heater and thermal, electrical, electronic, mechanical and temperature controls, from conceptual design and feasibility studies throughout the life cycle of equipment. Join us as we continue to provide solutions to our customers and the world! The Role: Reporting to the Director of Operations, Global Supply EMEA, the Operations Director will oversee manufacturing, engineering, and operational activities at Vulcanic TEE, playing a key role in driving operational excellence during a critical growth phase. In this role, the Operations Director will lead Safety, Quality, Production, Supply Chain, Continuous Improvement, and Engineering teams, promoting collaboration across functions to ensure seamless operational performance. The Operations Director will also lead the implementation of the Spirax Operational Excellence Framework and ensure each team aligns with the strategic objectives within it, inspiring a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and high performance through self-directed teams that motivate and empower staff. Your Responsibilities: Partner closely with Group-level stakeholders to share best practices and align with broader Spirax Group initiatives. Develop and execute the operations strategy aligned with Vulcanic TEE’s growth objectives. Lead the implementation of the Spirax Operational Excellence Framework across all operational areas, ensuring alignment with business goals. Champion change management initiatives to support business transformation and scalability Drive performance across key metrics: Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Teamwork (SQDCT). Lead the adoption of lean manufacturing principles including 5S, Standard Work, Visual Management, SMED, TPM, and one-piece flow. Ensure delivery performance targets are met or exceeded through robust planning, scheduling, and execution. Build and sustain high-performing, self-directed teams (SDTs) that are empowered, informed, and accountable. Promote a culture of collaboration, engagement, and continuous improvement. Develop leadership capability across the operations team through coaching, mentoring, and structured development pathways. Oversee the development and tracking of KPIs and KBIs, ensuring alignment with customer expectations and business objectives. Lead regular operational reviews and tiered meetings to monitor progress and drive accountability. Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and environmental standards. Lead structured change management processes, including impact assessments and stakeholder engagement. Identify and mitigate operational risks, including supply chain, capacity, and quality risks. Foster collaboration across these functions to drive integrated planning, problem-solving, and continuous improvement. Promote cross-functional engagement through structured forums such as tiered meetings, Gemba walks, and operational reviews. Achievement of delivery performance targets. Maturity progression across Spirax Operational Excellence Framework pillars (e.g. Collaboration & Engagement, Continuous Improvement, Quality, Supply Chain & Risk). Improvement in SQDCT metrics. Employee engagement and development within SDTs. Successful implementation of change initiatives. Our Requirements: At least 5 years of proven experience in a senior operations leadership role within a manufacturing environment. Demonstrated understanding of Engineered to Order (ETO) products. Deep understanding and practical application of lean manufacturing principles. Demonstrated success in leading change and transformation initiatives. Strong track record of improving delivery performance and operational KPIs. Experience in building and leading self-directed or autonomous teams. Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills. Familiarity with structured improvement models such as the Spirax Operational Excellence Framework or similar is preferred, not required. Experience with digital manufacturing systems (MES, DMS, eQMS) is preferred, not required. Lean Six Sigma certification (Black Belt preferred), not required.
