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Operations Director

Operations Director

Ryde, IOW - South Coast, Hampshire

£100-115k + Benefits


This company is the world leader in the design and manufacture of connectivity, motion feedback, and power products and solutions for aerospace, defence, and industrial applications. With revenues in the £15-20m range and circa 100 employees, we are now looking for an Operations Director who can work hand in hand with the MD and lead the operations team.

Reporting to the Managing Director, this position will be to lead the strategy, execution and operational team development for the business. You’ll be implementing process and culture to drive operational performance to above market expectations and deliver the productivity, material savings and organisational capability for growth.

You’ll be an active member of the Executive team of Directors supporting the Managing Director with the strategic development & direction of the Company. This will mean attending regular Board and Executive meetings to prepare & present regular Board reports.


Specific duties include:

  • Delivering on-time to customer commitments 

  • Ownership and governance of production & test processes 

  • Introduction of lean manufacturing methodologies 

  • Implementation of capital equipment 

  • Management of process and product change, including ownership of ERP system 

  • Management of new products into production 

  • Production equipment maintenance

  • Commercial management 

  • Strategic and tactical management of supplier relationships

  • Supply Chain risk management 

  • Cost reduction programme leadership

  • Lead-time reduction

  • Demand planning & ownership of inventory management

  • Facilities and building services

  • Ensuring the legal and ethical requirements of health, safety and environment 

  • Maintaining certification to AS9100 & ISO14001 

  • Ensuring a continuous improvement culture 

  • Effectively managing change and ensuring key stakeholders are engaged and supportive

  • Proposal for make/buy decisions, strategic investments and facility changes

  • Deputise for MD and support other projects as required


To apply for this position you should be able to demonstrate the following:

  • Engineering Degree with relevant profession engineering experience

  • Post Graduate qualification desirable (MSc, MEng, MBA etc)- desirable

  • Lean Operational Implementations experience

  • Project management of improvement & capital projects

  • Strong negotiator – contracts experience required

  • Electronics or electromechanical manufacturing experience an advantage, but not essential

  • Strong leader and cross functional relationship builder

  • Confident presenter to customers and internal stakeholders

  • High level of organisation and strategic planning skills

  • In a position to secure British security clearance

Benefits Package:

  • Pension 

  • Life Assurance 

  • Healthcare

  • 25 Days Holiday

  • Standard working hours/flexitime 37.5 hours pw over 4.5 days

  • Hovercraft Ticket from Southsea or Relocation assistance


This would suit an Op’s Director who is a natural leader, someone who can inspire confidence and make positive changes within an electromechanical design and manufacturing environment.