At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations, drive performance, and implement continuous improvement in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Company: Gill Group, a respected British engineering firm with over 40 years of innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive package, autonomy, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant career growth and influence within a collaborative senior leadership team.
- Why this job: Join a growing SME and shape the future of operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations leadership within manufacturing or engineering, with a focus on continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Berwick Partners is delighted to be partnering with Gill Group (‘Gill’) to appoint an Operations Director. Gill is an independent British engineering business with more than 40 years of experience developing high performance sensing, measurement and environmental monitoring technologies used across the world. The Group has built an enviable reputation for technical innovation, quality and reliability, serving markets including renewable energy, meteorology, marine, defence, industrial automation and transportation. In 2025, Gill was recognised with the King's Award for Enterprise in International Trade, reflecting both the quality of its technology and continued international growth.
We are seeking to appoint an experienced Operations Director to help create the operational platform required for the next phase of growth. This is a hands-on leadership role within a growing SME, offering the opportunity to influence strategy, develop organisational capability and drive operational excellence across the business.
The Role
Reporting directly to the CEO, the Operations Director will lead Supply Chain, Procurement, Production and Manufacturing Engineering, whilst playing a key role within the senior leadership team. The successful candidate will be responsible for strengthening operational performance, improving manufacturing effectiveness and embedding a culture of continuous improvement across the organisation.
- Developing and executing the operational strategy aligned to business objectives and delivery targets
- Driving manufacturing performance, productivity and margin improvement
- Leading production, planning, warehousing, dispatch and procurement activities
- Embedding lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies across the business
- Developing operational leaders and building organisational capability
- Supporting business growth through improved operational scalability and performance
- Contributing to wider business strategy as a member of the senior leadership team
The Person
This role will suit a visible, hands-on operational leader who enjoys improving organisations, developing teams and delivering meaningful change within a manufacturing environment. You are likely to bring:
- Experience as an Operations Director or senior operational leader within a manufacturing or engineering environment
- A track record of improving operational performance, manufacturing efficiency and profitability
- Outstanding people leadership credentials, with experience developing teams and driving accountability
- Expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and continuous improvement methodologies
- Commercial and analytical capability, supported by strong ERP / MRP knowledge
- Experience introducing greater structure, process discipline and operational scalability
- A pragmatic, collaborative leadership style combined with the ability to think strategically and execute effectively
- Experience within an SME environment would be particularly attractive, especially where doing is as important as directing.
The Opportunity
This is an outstanding opportunity to join a highly respected British engineering business with strong foundations, recognised technical expertise and significant growth potential. The successful candidate will have genuine visibility, influence and autonomy, together with the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future direction and operational performance of the Group. Package and benefits will be discussed during conversations with Berwick Partners.
Gill Group – Operations Director; Location: Lymington, Hampshire employer: Berwick Partners
Gill Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Lymington, Hampshire, where innovation and operational excellence are at the forefront. With over 40 years of experience in engineering, employees benefit from a culture that prioritises continuous improvement and professional development, alongside the opportunity to influence strategic decisions within a growing SME. The company's recognition with the King's Award for Enterprise highlights its commitment to quality and international growth, making it a rewarding place for those looking to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gill Group – Operations Director; Location: Lymington, Hampshire
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Berwick Partners, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Gill Group – Operations Director; Location: Lymington, Hampshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Berwick Partners specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Berwick Partners
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Berwick Partners, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Berwick Partners value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
