At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Engineering and Operations, driving accountability and project ownership.
- Company: Dynamic manufacturing business in Poole with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, executive influence, and leadership development opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity to progress towards Board-level responsibility.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Engineering and Operations at a strategic level.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in engineering and operations within manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 125000 £ per year.
Please note: 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.
This role reports directly to the Managing Director and is a strategically important senior leadership position within a growing, regulated manufacturing business in Poole. The Operations & Engineering Director 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. This is not just a technical role: the biggest priority is visible people leadership, coaching capability and the ability to bring organisation, urgency and accountability to talented teams that need stronger direction.
As Operations & Engineering Director, you’ll lead several senior reports across Engineering, Operations, Technical Support and potentially one other business function. The role needs someone who can operate at Director level with real technical credibility, particularly around whole-product design, product development and engineering-led problem solving.
The business needs an Operations & Engineering Director who can improve how priorities are managed, how projects are tracked, and how teams communicate progress. There is plenty of capability already in the business, but the next step is better structure, stronger follow-through and more consistent accountability from concept through to production, delivery and lifecycle support.
This position would suit someone from an SME or mid-sized manufacturing background who is used to owning the whole product and process, not just one narrow function. You’ll need to be commercially aware, technically strong, approachable and able to drive change in a way that earns buy-in from the team, rather than creating resistance.
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 role, get in touch to talk through the opportunity and leadership scope.
Engineering & Operations Director in Broadstone employer: Holt Engineering
Join a dynamic and growing regulated manufacturing business in Poole as an Operations & Engineering Director, where you will have the opportunity to lead and shape engineering and operations at an executive level. With a strong focus on people leadership, accountability, and continuous improvement, the company fosters a collaborative work culture that encourages professional growth and innovation. Enjoy competitive remuneration, a clear path towards Board-level responsibilities, and the chance to make a significant impact in a thriving environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering & Operations Director in Broadstone
✨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 Engineering & Operations Director role you’re after at Holt Engineering.
✨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 Holt Engineering 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 Holt Engineering.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Engineering & Operations Director at Holt Engineering, 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 Engineering & Operations Director in Broadstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Engineering & Operations Director, 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 Holt Engineering 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 Holt Engineering 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 Holt Engineering
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Holt Engineering, 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 Holt Engineering 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.
