Job Description:
Your Impact
Leonardo is offering an exciting opportunity for an experienced and driven Operations Manager to join our Southampton site on a 12–18 month fixed-term contract. Reporting to the VP Operations, you will lead the day-to-day management of our Manufacturing function, with end-to-end accountability for the production of Infrared Detectors and Naval Communications equipment.
This role is ideally suited for a transformational leader who thrives on change and continuous improvement. You’ll be a visible and credible change ambassador, bringing in external experience, energy, and proven tools to help reshape our operations and build a future-ready team.
Experience in the semiconductor industry and a strong understanding of cleanroom-based manufacturing of high-tech products is highly desirable. This is an opportunity to apply your deep operational expertise in a unique environment and make a tangible impact in a fast-moving, strategically important part of the business.
What You’ll Do as Operations Manager
* Lead all aspects of Manufacturing, ensuring delivery to the Master Production Schedule (on time, to cost, to quality).
* Directly manage and support the Assembly, Inspection, and Test (AI&T) teams, creating a high-performance culture.
* Drive operational improvement initiatives – applying Lean, Six Sigma or other best-practice methods to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
* Act as a key member of the ISP Operations Leadership Team, contributing to strategy development, investment planning, and the 5-year Business Plan.
* Develop the organisational structure, team capabilities and ways of working to support current and future production needs.
* Actively lead and manage Health, Safety and Environmental performance across the Manufacturing areas.
* Ensure compliance with company processes and support internal and external audits (e.g., AS9100, ISO9001).
* Champion cross-functional collaboration, working closely with Engineering, Programme, Quality and Supply Chain functions.
* Participate in Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) and capacity planning processes.
* Report and drive performance against key KPIs (e.g., OTD, DPU, UPC) in line with the Leonardo Production System.
What you'll bring
* Strong leadership experience within a high-tech, low-volume manufacturing environment (Defence, Aerospace, or Semiconductors preferred).
* Experience working in cleanroom-based manufacturing environments for advanced technology products.
* A proven track record of leading transformation and change – including process redesign, cultural shift, and team optimisation.
* Experience managing and delivering complex products in regulated environments.
* Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma or other Continuous Improvement methodologies.
* Experience in operational planning, cost centre management, and reporting.
* Degree or equivalent experience in Manufacturing, Operations, Engineering or related field.
This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.
Security Clearance
This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting
Why join us
At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.
* Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
* Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
* Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
* Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
* Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
* Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
* Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
* Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.
For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.
Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.
At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.
Be part of something bigger - apply now!
Primary Location:
GB - Southampton
Contract Type:
Fixed term
Hybrid Working:
Onsite #J-18808-Ljbffr