Gill Group – Operations Director; Location: Lymington, Hampshire

Join Gill Group as an Operations Director!

Berwick Partners is thrilled to partner with Gill Group, a pioneering British engineering firm, to find an exceptional Operations Director. With over 40 years of expertise in high-performance sensing, measurement, and environmental monitoring technologies, Gill has established a stellar reputation for technical innovation and reliability across various sectors, including renewable energy, meteorology, marine, defense, industrial automation, and transportation.

In 2025, Gill was honored with the King's Award for Enterprise in International Trade, a testament to its outstanding technology and ongoing international growth. Now, we are on the lookout for a dynamic Operations Director to help shape the operational framework for the next exciting phase of growth.

The Role

As the Operations Director, you will report directly to the CEO and lead key areas such as Supply Chain, Procurement, Production, and Manufacturing Engineering. This hands-on leadership role is perfect for someone eager to influence strategy, enhance organizational capability, and drive operational excellence.

Your Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute an operational strategy that aligns with business objectives and delivery targets.
• Drive manufacturing performance, productivity, and margin improvements.
• Lead production, planning, warehousing, dispatch, and procurement activities.
• Embed lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies throughout the organization.
• Develop operational leaders and enhance organizational capability.
• Support business growth through improved operational scalability and performance.
• Contribute to the broader business strategy as a vital member of the senior leadership team.

The Person

This role is ideal for a visible, hands-on operational leader who thrives on improving organizations, developing teams, and implementing meaningful change in a manufacturing environment.

You are likely to bring:

• Experience as an Operations Director or senior operational leader in a manufacturing or engineering setting.
• A proven track record of enhancing operational performance, manufacturing efficiency, and profitability.
• Outstanding people leadership skills, with experience in team development and accountability.
• Expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong commercial and analytical capabilities, supported by robust ERP/MRP knowledge.
• Experience in introducing structure, process discipline, and operational scalability.
• A pragmatic, collaborative leadership style, combined with strategic thinking and effective execution.

Experience in an SME environment is particularly appealing, especially where action is as important as direction.

The Opportunity

This is a remarkable chance to join a highly respected British engineering business with solid foundations, recognized technical expertise, and significant growth potential. As the successful candidate, you will enjoy genuine visibility, influence, and autonomy, along with the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future direction and operational performance of the Group.

Package and benefits will be discussed during conversations with Berwick Partners.