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 is a unique chance to shape the future of a growing business and develop your leadership skills.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 120000 £ per year.
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 Resources Group
Contact Detail:
Pursuit Resources Group 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. Engaging with professionals in these sectors can help you gain insights and potentially get referrals for the Operations Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Consider reaching out to current or former employees of the company on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for standing out as a candidate for the Operations Director position.
✨Tip Number 3
Attend industry conferences or seminars related to supply chain management and operational excellence. This will not only expand your knowledge but also allow you to connect with key players in the field who may influence hiring decisions.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your strategic vision and execution capabilities in detail during interviews. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully led teams and managed P&L responsibilities in previous roles, as this will be crucial for the Operations Director position.
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 confirm your UK residency and visa status. Applications lacking this information may face delays or be disregarded.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pursuit Resources Group
✨Showcase Your Industry Experience
Make sure to highlight your experience in Marine, Aerospace, Cabling, or Oil and Gas during the interview. This is crucial as the company is looking for candidates with a strong background in these sectors to ensure you can hit the ground running.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams and managed operations in previous roles. Discuss your approach to strategic planning and how you've driven business growth, as this role requires a clear vision for the future.
✨Understand P&L Responsibilities
Be ready to discuss your experience with full P&L accountability. Share specific instances where you've managed budgets, optimised margins, and made financial decisions that positively impacted the business.
✨Prepare for Succession Planning Questions
Since this role has a pathway to Managing Director, think about your long-term career goals and how you envision your growth within the company. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you plan to develop high-performing teams.