Operations Director

Havant
5 days ago
Create job alert

Job Title: Operations Director
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.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR WITH PATHWAY TO MANAGING DIRECTOR
STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY

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 teamsLOCATIONS

Dual-site leadership spanning:

Havant: Procurement, Assembly, Integration, Testing (AIT), Quality Control/Assurance, and Logistics
Essex: Research & Development, Training, Testing, and SalesKEY 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 roleOperational 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 complianceSupply 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 standardsCross-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 processesQUALIFICATIONS & 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 capabilitiesHighly Desirable

Experience in Marine, Telecommunications or Cabling industries
Track record of successful business transformation
Experience planning for or executing leadership successionSUCCESSION 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

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Director of Service Operations

Operations Manager

Operations Manager

Business Unit Director

Reliability Director

Director, Research CMC and Labs Critical Apps

Get the latest insights and jobs direct. Sign up for our newsletter.

By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Tips for Staying Inspired: How Space Professionals Fuel Creativity and Innovation

The space industry captures our collective imagination like few others—sending probes to distant planets, launching constellations of satellites for global connectivity, even exploring the possibility of human settlements beyond Earth. From propulsion engineers and satellite architects to astrophysicists and mission control specialists, the field is a fusion of cutting-edge technology and grand ambitions. Yet, in this demanding arena, rife with rigorous testing, tight budgets, risk mitigation, and lengthy research cycles, even the most fervent space professionals can find their creative fire dwindling at times. How do people working in space—whether at government agencies, private aerospace firms, or research institutions—maintain a spark of innovation amid technical complexities, funding pressures, and enormous stakes? Below, we explore ten practical strategies to keep you inspired, inventive, and energised. Whether you’re building propulsion systems, planning satellite missions, or leading new explorations of lunar resources, these tips can help you break out of ruts, generate fresh perspectives, and push boundaries that define the future of humanity’s journey among the stars.

Top 10 Space Career Myths Debunked: Key Facts for Aspiring Professionals

The space industry has surged well beyond the era of government-led missions and iconic moon landings. Today, a diverse ecosystem of private companies, public agencies, and research institutions drives innovation in satellite technology, launch services, microgravity research, human spaceflight, planetary exploration, and more. With emerging trends like space tourism, in-orbit servicing, and interplanetary missions, there’s never been a more exciting time to pursue a career in this far-reaching field. Yet, myths about space careers still linger—from the idea that you must be a former fighter pilot to get involved, to the assumption that space jobs exist only for rocket scientists at a handful of major agencies. At ukspacejobs.co.uk, we see how these misconceptions can limit people’s aspirations in a domain that truly spans engineering, science, business, and beyond. In this article, we debunk the top 10 myths surrounding space careers—illuminating the reality of an industry that’s growing, diversifying, and actively seeking new talent. Whether you’re a student passionate about astronomy, a software developer intrigued by satellite systems, or a professional ready to pivot into space technologies, read on to see how the cosmos might be your next frontier.

Global vs. Local: Comparing the UK Space Job Market to International Landscapes

How to evaluate opportunities, salaries, and work culture in space technology across the UK, the US, Europe, and Asia The space industry is booming, no longer dominated solely by government agencies and massive aerospace contractors. Over the last decade, new players—both established corporations and agile startups—have propelled advances in satellite constellations, launch vehicles, in-orbit services, and deep-space exploration. From broadband satellites improving global internet access to small launch systems delivering cubesats into low Earth orbit, the commercialisation of space is rapidly accelerating. In this article, we’ll explore how the UK space job market compares with other leading hubs, notably the United States, continental Europe, and parts of Asia. We will delve into the range of in-demand roles, expected salary levels, and cultural and regulatory factors that influence careers in space technology. Whether you’re a rocket propulsion engineer, a satellite data scientist, or a business professional looking to help commercialise new orbital services, this guide will clarify your options and steer you toward a fulfilling path. By the end, you’ll see how the UK stacks up internationally for space-sector prospects—and what to keep in mind if you’re pondering a move overseas or transitioning into the industry for the first time.