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- Tasks: Lead operations and drive efficiency in a growing manufacturing business.
- Company: Dynamic engineering firm focused on precision components and modernisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full P&L responsibility, and high autonomy.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant impact and career growth in a visible role.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a business while leading a major site relocation.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in operations leadership within manufacturing or engineering.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 85000 £ per year.
AtkinsClarke are proud to be supporting a growing, privately backed manufacturing business with the appointment of an Operations Director to lead a recently acquired and evolving operation. This is a hands-on leadership role with full operational and P&L responsibility, playing a critical part in the next phase of growth. A key focus will be leading a major site relocation into a new, state-of-the-art facility while ensuring continuity of production and customer delivery. This role will suit someone who wants genuine ownership, accountability and the opportunity to shape a business.
Our client is a specialist engineering and manufacturing business operating within a highly regulated, quality-critical environment. The organisation supplies precision components into a blue-chip customer base and is now entering a period of investment, modernisation and growth. With strong backing and a clear strategic direction, the focus is on improving operational capability, implementing new systems and building a scalable platform for the future.
As Operations Director, you will take full accountability for the performance of the site, leading operations, people and processes while driving efficiency and continuous improvement. A key element of the role will be managing the successful relocation of the business into a new facility, ensuring minimal disruption and setting the foundation for future growth.
Key responsibilities include:
- Full ownership of site operations, including production, quality, health & safety and performance
- Leading and delivering the relocation to a new manufacturing facility
- Taking P&L responsibility, including cost control, investment decisions and profitability
- Driving operational improvements through structured KPIs, reporting and performance management
- Implementing and embedding Lean, CI and best practice manufacturing processes
- Leading ERP/system improvements and moving away from manual processes
- Managing and developing a small but experienced team, fostering accountability and performance
- Building strong relationships with key customers and ensuring high service levels
- Overseeing capacity planning, resource allocation and operational scalability
- Managing suppliers, subcontractors and third-party providers
This is a highly visible, business-critical role with the opportunity to make a tangible impact quickly.
We’re looking for an experienced and pragmatic operations leader who can balance technical understanding with strong leadership and delivery. You will bring:
- Proven experience in a senior operations leadership role within manufacturing or engineering
- Strong understanding of precision engineering, machining or complex production environments
- Experience working within regulated sectors (e.g. aerospace, automotive or similar)
- A track record of leading change, transformation or site-based improvements
- Experience managing complex operations, ideally including site moves or facility upgrades
- Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills
- A hands-on, solutions-focused approach with the ability to drive accountability
You will be comfortable operating in a smaller, evolving business where visibility is high and leadership is critical.
A rare opportunity to take ownership of a growing manufacturing business and play a key role in its evolution:
- Salary in the region of Up to £85,000
- Full operational and P&L responsibility
- Opportunity to lead a major site relocation and modernisation project
- High level of autonomy and influence within the business
- Exposure to a strong, blue-chip customer base
- Benefits package to be shaped as the business evolves
To apply for this position, please click on the apply now button and your CV will be sent directly to the responsible recruiter. We will respond to successful applicants within 7 days, however, please feel free to get in touch if you would like any further information about your application. At AtkinsClarke, we embrace inclusivity and welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. By applying you will be registered as a candidate with Atkins Clarke Ltd. Our Privacy Policy is available on request and explains how we will use your data.
Operations Director in Southampton employer: AtkinsClarke
Contact Detail:
AtkinsClarke Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company thoroughly. Understand their operations, recent projects, and challenges they face. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in leading their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've driven change and improved operations in previous roles. Highlight your hands-on approach and ability to foster accountability within teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so feel free to reach out if you need any tips or guidance.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Director role. Highlight your experience in manufacturing and engineering, especially any hands-on leadership roles you've had. We want to see how your skills align with the job description!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you’ve driven operational improvements or led successful relocations in the past. This will help us see the impact you can make.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and concise. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and get straight to the point. Make it easy for us to see why you’re the perfect fit for this role!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, we’ll be able to respond to you quickly, usually within 7 days. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at AtkinsClarke
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's operations. Understand their current processes, challenges, and the specifics of the site relocation. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you've driven accountability and fostered a culture of continuous improvement, especially in high-pressure environments.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex operations. Think of scenarios where you've led change or managed a site move, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
✨Highlight Your Financial Acumen
Since this role involves P&L responsibility, be ready to discuss your experience with cost control and investment decisions. Bring examples of how you've improved profitability in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your capability to drive financial success.