Start Date: Immediate
Contract Type: Interim
Day Rate: Up to £850 per day (DOE)
Overview We are seeking a highly experienced Interim Transformation & Turnaround Director to join a large-scale machinery manufacturing organisation at a critical stage of its operational improvement journey.
This is a hands-on role, requiring a strong leader who can rapidly assess, stabilise, and transform manufacturing performance. You will lead from the front, working directly with operational teams to deliver sustainable improvements in productivity, efficiency, and culture.
Key Responsibilities
Lead end-to-end turnaround of manufacturing operations, driving immediate and sustainable performance improvements
Conduct rapid diagnostics of current operations, identifying inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities
Implement Lean manufacturing principles, continuous improvement frameworks, and best practice methodologies
Deliver measurable improvements in:
Productivity
Throughput
Quality
Cost efficiency
Drive operational discipline through KPIs, data visibility, and performance management systems
Work closely with leadership teams to align transformation initiatives with overall business objectives
Develop and embed continuous improvement culture across production teams
Act as a visible and credible leader on the factory floor, ensuring engagement at all levels
Coach and develop site leadership and frontline managers to sustain improvements beyond the interim period Leadership & Culture
Act as a strong people leader, building trust and credibility quickly
Take employees on a clear and engaging transformation journey, ensuring buy-in at all levels
Communicate vision, progress, and expectations effectively across the organisation
Foster a high-performance, accountable, and collaborative culture
Manage change sensitively, balancing pace with engagement Key Requirements
Proven track record as an Interim Transformation / Turnaround Director (or similar senior role) within manufacturing
Significant experience in large machinery, heavy engineering, or industrial environments
Deep expertise in:
Lean manufacturing (e.g. Six Sigma, Kaizen, TPM, etc.)
Operational turnaround and restructuring
Productivity improvement programmes
Demonstrable success in delivering measurable operational improvements under pressure
Strong factory floor presence, comfortable operating at both strategic and hands-on levels
Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at Board and operational levels
A pragmatic, delivery-focused mindset with a strong sense of urgency Personal Attributes
Credible, resilient, and results-driven
Highly visible and hands-on leadership style
Strong communicator with the ability to inspire and motivate teams
Commercially astute with a focus on tangible outcomes
Able to challenge constructively and drive accountability Why This Role? This is a critical opportunity to make a significant and lasting impact within a major manufacturing operation.
You will play a central role in shaping performance, culture, and future success
Salary description
£700.00 - £850.00 per day