Gill Group – Operations Director; Location: Lymington, Hampshire

Berwick Partners is thrilled to partner with Gill Group (‘Gill’) in the search for an Operations Director.

With over 40 years of experience, Gill is an independent British engineering powerhouse, renowned for developing high-performance sensing, measurement, and environmental monitoring technologies. Their innovations serve diverse markets, including renewable energy, meteorology, marine, defense, industrial automation, and transportation.

In 2025, Gill proudly received the King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade, a testament to their exceptional technology and ongoing international growth.

The Role

As the Operations Director, you will report directly to the CEO and play a pivotal role in shaping the operational landscape for Gill’s next growth phase. This hands-on leadership position within a dynamic SME offers you the chance to:

• 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 key member of the senior leadership team.

The Person

We are looking for a visible, hands-on operational leader who thrives on improving organizations, developing teams, and driving 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 a history of developing teams and fostering accountability.
• Expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong commercial and analytical capabilities, complemented 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 desirable, especially where action is as important as direction.

The Opportunity

This is an exceptional chance to join a highly respected British engineering firm with solid foundations, recognized technical expertise, and significant growth potential. As the Operations Director, you will enjoy:

• Genuine visibility and influence within the organization.
• Autonomy to make impactful decisions.
• The opportunity to shape the future direction and operational performance of the Group.

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