Head of Operations

Head of Operations

Location: East Hampshire
Reports to: Board of Directors
Contract: Full-time, Permanent

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.

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.

• 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

• 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