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 in a respected organisation.
- Why this job: Join a growing SME and shape the future of operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations leadership within manufacturing, with a focus on improvement and team development.
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 in Southampton 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 make a significant impact 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 an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gill Group – Operations Director; Location: Lymington, Hampshire in Southampton
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Gill Group – Operations Director; Location: Lymington, Hampshire role you’re after at Berwick Partners.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Berwick Partners a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Berwick Partners.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Gill Group – Operations Director; Location: Lymington, Hampshire at Berwick Partners, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Gill Group – Operations Director; Location: Lymington, Hampshire in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Gill Group – Operations Director; Location: Lymington, Hampshire, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Berwick Partners a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Berwick Partners specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Berwick Partners
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Berwick Partners, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Berwick Partners want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
