Executive Search for an Operations Director, Brookhouse Aerospace
The Client
Brookhouse Aerospace is a highly respected UK manufacturer serving leading aerospace OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. With decades of heritage and deep technical capability across composites, metallics, treatments and integrated assemblies, the business has built a strong reputation for quality, compliance and delivery in a highly regulated environment.
Following a management buyout backed by private equity and a period of strategic investment, the company entered a new phase of growth. Expansion through acquisition, alongside increasing customer demand, brought greater operational complexity. While commercial momentum was strong, it became clear that operational leadership needed to be strengthened to support scale, consistency and future value creation.
The Requirement
The newly appointed CEO and Chair identified the need for an Operations Director to take full accountability for manufacturing performance across the group. This was a pivotal hire. The business required a leader who could bring discipline to day-to-day execution while also shaping a longer-term vision for operational excellence.
Technical credibility within aerospace manufacturing was essential, but not sufficient on its own. The role demanded someone with the gravitas to lead at senior level, the confidence to challenge entrenched ways of working and the emotional intelligence to engage teams through change. Driving OTIF performance, embedding data-led decision making and creating a culture of accountability and continuous improvement were central to the brief.
This was a hands-on leadership role, balancing pace with rigour in an environment where quality, safety and compliance could not be compromised.
The Solution
Novo partnered closely with the CEO to fully understand the operational pressures, cultural dynamics and ambitions of the business following the MBO. Together, we translated strategic objectives into a clear leadership profile, focusing on both capability and mindset.
A targeted executive search was launched across aerospace and advanced manufacturing, prioritising leaders with experience in complex, regulated operations and exposure to growth, transformation or integration environments.
Our approach included:
- Identifying senior operations leaders with deep aerospace manufacturing experience
- Assessing capability across composites, metallics and multi-value-stream operations
- Evaluating track record in operational discipline, KPI-driven performance and continuous improvement
- Testing leadership style, resilience and ability to lead cultural and behavioural change
- Exploring experience within PE-backed or high-growth organisations
The Outcome
Novo successfully supported Brookhouse Aerospace in appointing an Operations Director who brought immediate clarity, structure and momentum. From the outset, they focused on stabilising execution, strengthening planning disciplines and embedding robust performance management.
Teams responded positively to clear expectations, consistent leadership and a renewed focus on fundamentals. OTIF performance improved, decision making became more data driven and collaboration across functions strengthened.
With strong operational leadership now in place, Brookhouse Aerospace is better positioned to scale, integrate acquisitions and deliver on its growth strategy. The business is operating with greater confidence, control and alignment, underpinned by a culture focused on excellence and accountability.
