Leonardo

Job Description:

The Opportunity

Leonardo is offering an exciting opportunity for an experienced and driven Operations Manager to join our Southampton site on a 12–18 month fixed-term contract. Reporting to the VP Operations, you will lead the day-to-day management of our Manufacturing function, with end-to-end accountability for the production of Infrared Detectors and Naval Communications equipment.

This role is ideally suited for a transformational leader who thrives on change and continuous improvement. You’ll be a visible and credible change ambassador, bringing in external experience, energy, and proven tools to help reshape our operations and build a future-ready team.

Experience in the semiconductor industry and a strong understanding of cleanroom-based manufacturing of high-tech products is highly desirable. This is an opportunity to apply your deep operational expertise in a unique environment and make a tangible impact in a fast-moving, strategically important part of the business.

What You’ll Do as Operations Manager:

• Lead all aspects of Manufacturing, ensuring delivery to the Master Production Schedule (on time, to cost, to quality).
• Directly manage and support the Assembly, Inspection, and Test (AI&T) teams, creating a high-performance culture.
• Drive operational improvement initiatives – applying Lean, Six Sigma or other best-practice methods to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
• Act as a key member of the ISP Operations Leadership Team, contributing to strategy development, investment planning, and the 5-year Business Plan.
• Develop the organisational structure, team capabilities and ways of working to support current and future production needs.
• Actively lead and manage Health, Safety and Environmental performance across the Manufacturing areas.
• Ensure compliance with company processes and support internal and external audits (e.g., AS9100, ISO9001).
• Champion cross-functional collaboration, working closely with Engineering, Programme, Quality and Supply Chain functions.
• Participate in Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) and capacity planning processes.
• Report and drive performance against key KPIs (e.g., OTD, DPU, UPC) in line with the Leonardo Production System.

What we need from you

What you really must have:

• Strong leadership experience within a high-tech, low-volume manufacturing environment (Defence, Aerospace, or Semiconductors preferred).
• Experience working in cleanroom-based manufacturing environments for advanced technology products.
• A proven track record of leading transformation and change – including process redesign, cultural shift, and team optimisation.
• Experience managing and delivering complex products in regulated environments.
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma or other Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Experience in operational planning, cost centre management, and reporting.
• Degree or equivalent experience in Manufacturing, Operations, Engineering or related field.

Security Clearance

You must be eligible for full security clearance. For more information and guidance please visit : https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels

Life at Leonardo

With a company funded benefits package, a commitment to learning and development, and a flexible approach to working hours focused on the needs of both our employees and customers, a career with Leonardo has never offered as many opportunities or been more accessible to as many people.

• Flexible Working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us
• Company funded flexible benefits: Access to private healthcare, dental schemes, Workplace ISA, Go Green Car Scheme, technology and lifestyle options (£500 annual allowance)
• Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays, option to buy/sell leave and to accrue up to 12 additional flexi leave days per year
• Pension: Award winning pension scheme (up to 15% employer contribution)
• Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme with access to free mental health support, financial wellbeing support and network groups to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to diversity & inclusion (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity)
• Lifestyle: Discounted Gym membership, Cycle to work scheme
• Training: Free access to more than 4000 online courses via Coursera and Linkedin Learning
• Referral Incentive: You can earn a reward for successfully referring a friend or family member
• Bonus: Scheme in place for all employees at management level and below

For a full list of our company benefits please our website here.

Leonardo is a global high-tech company and one of the key players in Aerospace, Defence and Security. Headquartered in Italy, Leonardo has over 53,000 employees, of which 8,500 are based at 9 sites throughout the UK.

At Leonardo UK, we believe that a diverse and inclusive work environment unlocks our people’s full potential and drives innovation and creativity. We work hard to offer a welcoming, accessible and inclusive place to work for all of our people, creating a culture where everyone can thrive, feel safe and have a sense of belonging and connection.

Primary Location:

GB - Southampton

Contract Type:

Fixed term

Hybrid Working:

Onsite