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 respected organisation.
- Why this job: Join a growing SME and shape the future of operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations leadership, manufacturing efficiency, and team development.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Gill Group 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.
Key responsibilities include:
- 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.
Locations
Operations Director in Hampshire, Lymington employer: Gill Group
Gill Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Lymington, Hampshire, where innovation and operational excellence are at the forefront. As a growing SME with over 40 years of engineering expertise, employees benefit from hands-on leadership opportunities, a culture of continuous improvement, and the chance to make a significant impact on the company's future. With a commitment to employee development and a collaborative atmosphere, Gill Group stands out as a rewarding place for those looking to advance their careers in a meaningful way.
