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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations, drive performance, and ensure strategic objectives are met.
- Company: Specialist manufacturer in high-performance electromechanical systems.
- Benefits: Full-time role with a clear path to General Manager position.
- Why this job: Join a growing company and make a significant impact on operations.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in engineering or technology-led manufacturing.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and innovative environment.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: East Hampshire
Reports to: Board of Directors
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
About the Company
Our client is a specialist manufacturer of complex electromechanical systems serving high-performance markets. Following a sustained period of growth and continued market expansion, the company is now seeking a Head of Operations with a clear succession pathway into the General Manager position within 12–18 months.
The Opportunity
This is a senior leadership role for an experienced operational leader with strong technical credibility and highly developed commercial acumen. The successful candidate will work closely with the current General Manager, who intends to transition into a broader strategic role over the next 12–18 months. During this period, you will assume increasing responsibility across the organisation, ensuring continuity, knowledge transfer and a smooth leadership succession.
You will hold full accountability for operational performance, financial results, commercial delivery and execution of strategic objectives. A strong understanding of margin management, revenue growth, cost control and customer value creation will be critical to success in this role.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the business, ensuring safe, efficient and profitable performance
- Translate Board strategy into clear operational plans with measurable outcomes
- Take ownership of operational P&L performance, including budgeting, forecasting and financial control
- Drive programme delivery, customer satisfaction and on-time execution across complex engineering projects
- Support and contribute to commercial strategy, working closely with sales and business development to secure and deliver high-value programmes
- Provide commercial oversight across contracts, pricing, margin performance and customer negotiations
- Oversee engineering, manufacturing, supply chain and delivery functions within a technically advanced electromechanical environment
- Build, lead and develop a high-performing management team, strengthening accountability and capability across departments
- Embed strong governance, compliance and risk management practices, particularly within regulated and high-assurance markets
- Identify and execute growth initiatives, continuous improvement programmes and operational efficiencies
- Act as a senior representative of the business with customers, partners and stakeholders
About You
- Proven senior leadership experience as a Head of Operations, Operations Director, General Manager or similar role
- Demonstrated success running an engineering or technology-led manufacturing business or division with full commercial accountability
- Strong commercial acumen, with a proven ability to drive revenue growth, improve margins and make commercially sound strategic decisions
- Experience operating within complex electromechanical systems, advanced engineering, or precision manufacturing environments
- Experience in defence, aerospace, robotics or other high-reliability sectors is highly desirable
- Strong financial capability, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control and performance management
- Technically credible with the ability to engage confidently with engineering teams and customers
- Experienced in leading multidisciplinary teams across engineering, manufacturing and supply chain
- Commercially astute, pragmatic and delivery-focused
- Comfortable operating at both strategic and hands-on levels
Due to a high level of applications, if you do not receive a response within 7 - 10 working days, your application has unfortunately not been successful and we thank you for your time.
Head of Operations in Southampton employer: REEVR TALENT
Contact Detail:
REEVR TALENT Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their products, culture, and recent news. We want you to walk in feeling confident and ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in operations and commercial strategy.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your leadership style and how you’ve driven operational success in previous roles. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to nail down your delivery and make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We recommend mentioning something specific from your conversation to show your genuine interest in the role and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Operations role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements in operational performance, financial results, and commercial delivery. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your experience with complex electromechanical systems and how you've driven revenue growth in previous positions. Let us know what excites you about joining our company!
Showcase Your Technical Credibility: Since we're looking for someone with strong technical credibility, make sure to highlight your experience in engineering or technology-led manufacturing. Share specific examples of how you've engaged with engineering teams and contributed to successful projects.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you're keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at REEVR TALENT
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Operations, you'll need to demonstrate your financial savvy. Brush up on key metrics like P&L performance, budgeting, and forecasting. Be ready to discuss how you've driven revenue growth and improved margins in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership skills, so think about examples that highlight your ability to build and lead high-performing teams. Prepare to share specific instances where you've strengthened accountability and capability across departments.
✨Understand the Technical Landscape
Given the technical nature of the company, it's crucial to have a solid grasp of electromechanical systems and advanced engineering. Familiarise yourself with industry trends and be prepared to engage confidently with engineering teams during the interview.
✨Align with Company Strategy
The Board's strategy will be a key focus, so make sure you can translate strategic objectives into operational plans. Think about how you've successfully executed similar strategies in the past and be ready to discuss measurable outcomes you've achieved.