At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations in aerospace and defence, driving excellence and continuous improvement.
- Company: Join a growing aerospace and defence organisation focused on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Foster a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
- Why this job: Shape the future of manufacturing with cutting-edge technology and leadership.
- Qualifications: Master's degree and experience in aerospace or automotive sectors required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Are you a strategic operations leader with a passion for manufacturing excellence, supply chain performance, and building high-performing teams? We are seeking an experienced EMEA Operations Director to lead our end-to-end operations function, driving operational performance, continuous improvement, and business growth within a dynamic aerospace and defence environment. This is a pivotal leadership role with responsibility for the entire product delivery value stream and a significant opportunity to shape the future of our operations.
About the Role
As EMEA Operations Director, you will oversee all aspects of operational delivery, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient execution across the business. You'll lead experienced managers and professionals while developing and implementing operational strategies that support company objectives, customer satisfaction, and long-term growth.
Your remit will span manufacturing, supply chain, procurement, logistics, inventory management, technical operations, facilities, equipment maintenance, health & safety, and continuous improvement initiatives.
What You'll Be Doing
- Operational Leadership
- Lead the full operational value stream, ensuring consistent delivery of cost, quality, and schedule objectives.
- Develop and execute the overall operations strategy, including capital investment planning (CAPEX).
- Drive operational excellence across manufacturing, procurement, logistics, inventory, technical operations, facilities, and HSE.
- Manufacturing & Supply Chain
- Oversee production planning, scheduling, resource management, and manufacturing performance reporting.
- Ensure effective coordination between operations, sales, quality, customer support, and new product development teams.
- Manage major subcontractor relationships and contribute to supplier performance and operational resilience.
- Leverage ERP systems to optimise materials management, planning, and operational performance.
- Continuous Improvement
- Establish and implement best practices that improve productivity, quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
- Champion Lean manufacturing principles, automation, and Industry 4.0 initiatives.
- Drive process improvements and operational transformation programmes across the organisation.
- Leadership & People Development
- Lead, coach, and develop an experienced team of operational professionals and managers.
- Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, safety, and continuous improvement.
- Ensure organisational capability and resource planning support future business requirements.
What We're Looking For
- Essential
- Master's Degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, or equivalent.
- Experience within the Aerospace & Defence and/or Automotive sectors.
- Experience within an electronics manufacturing environment.
- Prior experience in a Leadership role.
- Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, automation, and Industry 4.0 principles.
- Demonstrated project management capability.
- Strong financial acumen and commercial negotiation skills.
- Business-fluent French and English language skills.
- Desirable
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (Black Belt highly advantageous).
- Experience in Lean Six Sigma deployment and implementation.
- Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or Quality qualifications.
- Advanced ERP and data-driven operational management experience.
Why Join Us?
- Lead a critical function within a growing aerospace and defence organisation.
- Influence operational strategy and business performance at a senior leadership level.
- Drive transformation through Lean, automation, and Industry 4.0 initiatives.
- Lead cross-functional teams and shape the future of manufacturing operations.
- Work in an innovative, technology-driven environment delivering mission-critical solutions.
Equal Opportunity Statement
At Mercury Systems, we are committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity. We believe that equal opportunity is fundamental to building a dynamic and innovative workforce. We provide employment opportunities free from discrimination, ensuring fair treatment for all individuals regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. Our commitment extends beyond compliance—we actively promote diversity and inclusivity in our hiring practices, workplace policies, and career development opportunities. We aim to create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique talents to Mercury Systems' success. Together, we strive to achieve equal opportunities for all while building a collaborative and supportive workplace.
Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted, thank you in advance for your understanding.
Join us and be part of a company where innovation and people truly come together.
EMEA Operations Director employer: Mercury Systems
Mercury Systems is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, empowering employees to take ownership of their projects while providing ample opportunities for professional growth. With a focus on cutting-edge technology and a commitment to employee well-being, our EMEA location offers a dynamic environment where you can thrive and make a meaningful impact in the field of IT operations and cybersecurity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land EMEA Operations Director
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Mercury Systems for a EMEA Operations Director. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace EMEA Operations Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Mercury Systems, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Mercury Systems, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mercury Systems
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Mercury Systems.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Mercury Systems. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Mercury Systems love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
