At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Engineering and Operations, driving accountability and project ownership.
- Company: Growing regulated manufacturing business in Poole with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, executive-level influence, and career progression towards Board responsibility.
- Other info: Opportunity to improve systems and processes in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Engineering and Operations while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in Engineering and Operations within manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 125000 £ per year.
Location: Poole, England
Sector: Engineering
Salary: £100,000.00 to £125,000.00 per annum
Only applicants with the full-time, permanent right to work in the UK will be considered.
Overview
- Lead Engineering and Operations with a strong focus on people, structure and accountability.
- Bring whole-product engineering leadership across NPI, lifecycle support, quality and compliance.
- Improve prioritisation, delivery pace and project ownership across technical and operational teams.
- Strengthen manufacturing, supply chain, quality and operational performance through better governance.
- Join the senior leadership team with planned progression toward Board-level responsibility.
The Role
The Operations & Engineering Director reports directly to the Managing Director and is a strategically important senior leadership position within a growing, regulated manufacturing business in Poole. The role will lead the integration of Engineering and Operations, bringing stronger structure, clearer ownership and better execution across product development, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, compliance and technical support. It requires a capable leader in people, coaching and the ability to bring organisation, urgency and accountability to talented teams.
Day-to-day Responsibilities
- Lead and develop Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality, Compliance and Technical Support functions.
- Coach and support senior managers, improving leadership capability, team structure and day-to-day accountability.
- Bring stronger prioritisation and project control across multiple engineering and operational workstreams.
- Ensure key projects are tracked properly from start to finish, with clear owners, dates and escalation points.
- Strengthen whole-product engineering capability across NPI, product development, lifecycle support and design improvements.
- Improve integration between Engineering and Manufacturing so products are designed, transferred and built more effectively.
- Support technical decision-making around product design, manufacturability, compliance, quality and customer requirements.
- Improve operational performance across OTIF, quality, inventory, manufacturing efficiency, cost control and engineering responsiveness.
- Lead continuous improvement across systems, processes and ways of working, including ERP/SAP improvements where relevant.
- Ensure quality, compliance and regulatory requirements are embedded into engineering and operational decisions.
- Improve right-first-time delivery by strengthening attention to detail around BOMs, handovers, rework, redesign and technical documentation.
- Build stronger governance around KPIs, reporting, capacity, project status, actions and operational risk.
- Work closely with Sales, Service, Finance, HR and Business Systems to align technical delivery with wider business priorities.
- Support customer, supplier, auditor and partner discussions where senior technical or operational input is needed.
- Contribute to long-term business strategy as part of the senior leadership team, with progression toward Board level responsibility.
What They're Looking For
- Senior leadership experience across Engineering and Operations within an SME or mid-sized manufacturing business.
- Strong whole product engineering background, with credibility across design, development, manufacturing and lifecycle support.
- Proven people leadership skills, including coaching senior managers, improving accountability and handling underperformance.
- Experience bringing structure to technical and operational teams where prioritisation, planning or follow through needs improvement.
- Able to manage multiple projects and functions at once without losing sight of deadlines, risks and business priorities.
- Strong understanding of regulated manufacturing, quality systems, compliance and product governance.
- Commercial awareness and ability to balance innovation, quality, compliance, cost and customer delivery.
- Personable, approachable leadership style with the confidence to challenge constructively and build trust.
- Degree level background in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations or a related discipline, or equivalent senior level experience.
Desirable
- ERP/MRP improvement experience, ideally including SAP Business One or similar.
- Lean, Six Sigma or structured operational improvement qualifications.
- MBA or recognised business qualification.
- Experience working with Board members, investors or senior external stakeholders.
What's on Offer
Salary: £100,000 - £125,000. A senior leadership role with real scope to shape Engineering and Operations at executive level, not just maintain existing systems. Also the potential to influence at Board level as the business continues to develop. A business with strong technical products, ambitious growth plans and a clear need for the Operations & Engineering Director to bring structure, pace and leadership impact.
How to Apply
If you're interested in this Operations & Engineering Director role, get in touch to talk through the opportunity and leadership scope.
Engineering & Operations Director in Poole employer: Holt Engineering Ltd
Holt Engineering Ltd is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises safety and employee well-being. With opportunities for permanent contracts and benefits like free on-site parking and weekly pay, employees can thrive in a stable environment while developing their skills as they contribute to the team in Hurn.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering & Operations Director in Poole
✨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 Holt Engineering Ltd, 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 Engineering & Operations Director in Poole
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 Holt Engineering Ltd 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 Holt Engineering Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Holt Engineering Ltd, 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 Holt Engineering Ltd 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.
