Head of OperationsLocation: East Hampshire
Reports to: Board of Directors
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
About the CompanyOur client is a specialist manufacturer of complex electromechanical systems serving high-performance markets.
Following a sustained period of growth and continued market expansion, the company is now seeking a Head of Operations with a clear succession pathway into the General Manager position within 12–18 months.
The OpportunityThis is a senior leadership role for an experienced operational leader with strong technical credibility and highly developed commercial acumen.
The successful candidate will work closely with the current General Manager, who intends to transition into a broader strategic role over the next 12–18 months. During this period, you will assume increasing responsibility across the organisation, ensuring continuity, knowledge transfer and a smooth leadership succession.
You will hold full accountability for operational performance, financial results, commercial delivery and execution of strategic objectives. A strong understanding of margin management, revenue growth, cost control and customer value creation will be critical to success in this role.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the business, ensuring safe, efficient and profitable performance
Translate Board strategy into clear operational plans with measurable outcomes
Take ownership of operational P&L performance, including budgeting, forecasting and financial control
Drive programme delivery, customer satisfaction and on-time execution across complex engineering projects
Support and contribute to commercial strategy, working closely with sales and business development to secure and deliver high-value programmes
Provide commercial oversight across contracts, pricing, margin performance and customer negotiations
Oversee engineering, manufacturing, supply chain and delivery functions within a technically advanced electromechanical environment
Build, lead and develop a high-performing management team, strengthening accountability and capability across departments
Embed strong governance, compliance and risk management practices, particularly within regulated and high-assurance markets
Identify and execute growth initiatives, continuous improvement programmes and operational efficiencies
Act as a senior representative of the business with customers, partners and stakeholders
About You
Proven senior leadership experience as a Head of Operations, Operations Director, General Manager or similar role
Demonstrated success running an engineering or technology-led manufacturing business or division with full commercial accountability
Strong commercial acumen, with a proven ability to drive revenue growth, improve margins and make commercially sound strategic decisions
Experience operating within complex electromechanical systems, advanced engineering, or precision manufacturing environments
Experience in defence, aerospace, robotics or other high-reliability sectors is highly desirable
Strong financial capability, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control and performance management
Technically credible with the ability to engage confidently with engineering teams and customers
Experienced in leading multidisciplinary teams across engineering, manufacturing and supply chain
Commercially astute, pragmatic and delivery-focused
Comfortable operating at both strategic and hands-on levels
Due to a high level applications if you do have a response within 7 - 10 working days your application has unfortunately not been successful and we thank you for your time