Operations Manager in Southampton

Mission: The Operations Manager is accountable for OSI’s UK-based operations; driving the implementation of a scalable, efficient, and high-performing production and service capabilities. This role owns the full operational lifecycle from planning and execution through to final delivery and ongoing service of systems manufactured and/or delivered through OSI’s UK location. With direct oversight of production and service functions, the Operations Manager is responsible for building and maintaining robust local operations. Working in close collaboration with centralized Business Development, Engineering, Project Management, and Supply Chain teams, the incumbent ensures that all systems are delivered to design, meet applicable standards, and fulfill customer functional requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Production & Service Management: Lead production and service teams in the planning, scheduling, tracking, assembly, testing, configuration, and delivery of navigation components and systems. Develop and maintain production and service schedules, aligned with customer commitments, and internal capacity. Implement best practices (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, JIT) to enhance quality, efficiency, and scalability of operations. Standardize SOPs, training, work instructions, and governance documents in alignment with OSI’s head office.
• Supply Chain Management: Manage end-to-end supply chain operations, with a focus on inventory control, material availability, and timely procurement to ensure seamless production and delivery activities. Leverage OSI’s ERP systems to improve supply chain efficiency, enhance real-time visibility, and optimize planning. Lead continuous improvement initiatives to address inefficiencies, reduce lead times, improve responsiveness, and minimize waste.
• Project Management: Own all production and service aspects of project delivery, ensuring execution is completed on time, within scope, and within budget. Accountability to cross-functional teams to allocate work packages and track performance against key project milestones. Ability to use project management best practices to manage capital and special projects from time to time.
• Team Development & Supervision: Recruit, develop, and lead multidisciplinary teams across production, service, and supply chain areas. Monitor individual and team performance, provide coaching, and ensure accountability to performance objectives. Identify training needs and coordinate development plans with technical experts and central HR.
• Customer & Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the operational point of contact for internal project managers, department managers and customers, ensuring timely resolution of issues and building long-term relationships. Support business development through proposal input and technical engagement. Represent OSI at customer meetings, on-site installations, and service activities as needed.
• Decision Making: Approves operational and project-related expenditures and resource allocations within corporate limits. Exercises decision-making authority within defined project scopes and operational objectives. Accountable for the hiring, scheduling, performance, and quality oversight of direct reports.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technology, Operations Management, or a related discipline.
• 8–10+ years of experience in systems delivery, preferably within defense, marine, or high-tech sectors.
• Proven leadership across operations, production, project management, supply chain, and/or service delivery roles.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems, configuration management, and project financial controls.
• Strong problem-solving skills in hardware, software, and integration challenges in complex environments.
• PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent project management certification is considered an asset.