Director of Operations

Operations Director - (Engineering-led Manufacturing Business)

Location - between Southampton and Weymouth

Eton Bridge Partners have partnered with a well‑established, internationally renowned manufacturer that designs and produces highly specialised systems used across both b2b and b2c markets. Their products play a critical role in the operation of complex engineered assets, and the business is recognised globally for technical expertise, quality and reliability.

Operating from multiple UK production sites and supplying customers worldwide through both direct channels and an international distributor network, the organisation is entering a new phase of operational and organisational maturity. The Operations Director will play a central role in modernising operations, strengthening capability and ensuring the business can continue to scale efficiently.

This is a hands‑on, build‑and‑improve operational leadership role
. You will transform the company’s operational infrastructure, ensure performance, and embed a culture that supports sustainable growth.

• Provide strategic and day‑to‑day leadership across manufacturing, engineering, quality, procurement and logistics across a multi‑site environment
• Drive manufacturing & supply chain excellence
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to upgrade processes, systems and workflows
• Support investment decisions in new equipment, technologies and manufacturing capability
• Lead, coach and develop to create high‑performing teams and ensure collaboration & cultural alignment across the business

You are likely to bring:

• Leadership experience in low volume, high complexity manufacturing, within a engineering‑led product
• Exposure to manufacturing using a range of materials (particularly metals or composites)
• Experience ensuring safety, compliance & quality
• A strong track record of driving operational performance improvements
• Experience leading change across people, systems and processes in an SME environment
• Strong communication
  , leadership and stakeholder‑engagement capability
• Engineering Degree or Chartered Engineer status would be beneficial
• You will be a hands‑on
  , pragmatic leader who enjoys improving operations while developing people and building a scalable foundation for growth.

• Lead operations for a globally recognised specialist in their field
• Shape the next stage of the organisation’s operational transformation
• Influence strategy while owning day‑to‑day operational performance
• Work across diverse production technologies and complex engineered products
• Make a direct impact on delivery performance, capability development and customer satisfaction

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