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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations across R&D, sales, and supply chain while driving business growth.
- Company: Join a dynamic company in Havant focused on innovative Universal Joint and Interconnectivity solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary up to £100,000 with a clear path to Managing Director.
- Why this job: This role offers strategic leadership and the chance to make a significant impact.
- Qualifications: MBA or equivalent, strong engineering background, and proven management experience required.
- Other info: Candidates must be UK residents; relocation plans should be mentioned in applications.
Location: Havant
Salary: up to £100,000
Please note; experience within Marine / Aerospace / Cabling / Oil and Gas or similar is required to be shortlisted for this position.
We are seeking an exceptional Operations Director who will be positioned to transition into the Managing Director role for our client, based in Havant. This is a rare opportunity for an ambitious leader to make their mark on our business, assuming full P&L responsibility for our Universal Joint (UJ) and Interconnectivity solutions portfolio.
THE ROLE
As Operations Director, you will oversee the comprehensive business operations across R&D, Testing, Training, Sales and Supply Chain Management, with a clear succession path to Managing Director. You will be responsible for:
- Full P&L accountability
- Strategic leadership of multi-site operations
- End-to-end management of our product lifecycle
- Building and developing high-performing teams
LOCATIONS
Dual-site leadership spanning:
- Havant: Procurement, Assembly, Integration, Testing (AIT), Quality Control/Assurance, and Logistics
- Essex: Research & Development, Training, Testing, and Sales
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Business Growth & Development
- Drive revenue growth and margin optimisation for UJ and related products
- Lead strategic customer relationships with key accounts and Tier 1 suppliers
- Manage sales forecasting, department budgets and accurate financial reporting
- Position yourself for transition to Managing Director role
Operational Excellence
- Oversee HSE, Quality and Risk Management systems
- Implement and maintain compliance with internal and external audit requirements
- Negotiate and manage Long Term Supply Agreements to ensure timely customer deliveries
- Ensure CAA 'Known Consignor' recognition compliance
Supply Chain Optimization
- Establish robust supplier relationships with full component traceability
- Drive cost and quality control throughout the supply chain
- Implement rigorous stock management systems
- Ensure compliance with purchasing procedures and standards
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Collaborate with Essex-based teams to ensure design accuracy and smooth NPI processes
- Develop a unified 'one system' approach to eliminate duplication and inefficiencies
- Lead the transition from Sage to IFS ERP system
- Work across departments to align objectives and streamline processes
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Essential Requirements
- MBA or equivalent qualification
- Strong Mechanical and Electrical Engineering background
- Proven experience in supply chain and manufacturing management
- Proficiency with MRP systems (SAGE or IFS)
- Demonstrated expertise in budgeting and financial management
- Experience implementing quality control and assurance systems
- IT infrastructure knowledge
- Multi-site team management experience
- Exceptional communication and negotiation skills
- Strategic vision with strong execution capabilities
Highly Desirable
- Experience in Marine, Telecommunications or Cabling industries
- Track record of successful business transformation
- Experience planning for or executing leadership succession
SUCCESSION PLANNING
This role has been specifically designed with succession planning in mind. The successful candidate will have a clear pathway to the Managing Director position, with structured development opportunities to prepare for this transition. We are seeking candidates with the ambition and capability to grow into this expanded leadership role.
IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION
Location Disclosure: Please clearly state your location in your CV. Applications without this information may experience processing delays.
Eligibility: Only applicants with UK residency and full visa status will be considered. Applications from outside the UK will not be shortlisted. If relocation is planned, please mention this in your application.
Operations Director employer: Pursuit Executive Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Pursuit Executive Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your experience in the Marine, Aerospace, Cabling, or Oil and Gas industries during networking events or conversations. This will help you stand out as a candidate who meets the essential requirements for the Operations Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Connect with current or former employees of the company on LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide you with insider knowledge about the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your strategic vision and execution capabilities in detail. Think of specific examples from your past roles where you successfully led teams or projects that align with the responsibilities of the Operations Director position.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the company's products and services, especially the Universal Joint and Interconnectivity solutions. Being knowledgeable about their offerings will demonstrate your genuine interest and readiness to take on the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in Marine, Aerospace, Cabling, Oil and Gas, or similar industries. Emphasise your leadership roles and any P&L responsibilities you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your strategic vision and how your background aligns with the Operations Director role. Mention your ambition to transition into a Managing Director position and how you plan to achieve this.
Highlight Key Achievements: In your application, include specific examples of how you've driven business growth, optimised supply chains, or led successful teams. Quantify your achievements where possible to demonstrate your impact.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you clearly state your location in your CV and mention your UK residency status. If you're planning to relocate, include this information in your application to avoid processing delays.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pursuit Executive Recruitment Ltd
✨Showcase Your Industry Experience
Make sure to highlight your experience in Marine, Aerospace, Cabling, or Oil and Gas during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific projects or roles that demonstrate your expertise in these areas, as this is crucial for being shortlisted.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Leadership Skills
As the role involves strategic leadership, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Discuss your approach to driving business growth and managing multi-site operations, as this will show your capability for the position.
✨Prepare for P&L Discussions
Since full P&L accountability is a key responsibility, brush up on your financial management skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed budgets, driven revenue growth, and optimised margins in previous roles.
✨Emphasise Cross-Functional Collaboration
The role requires collaboration across various departments. Share examples of how you've worked with different teams to achieve common goals, particularly in product lifecycle management and supply chain optimisation.
