Location: Bristol, Abbey Wood – 60% onsite
Contract: 6 months
IR35: Inside IR35
Rate: £650 per day Umbrella
Security Clearance: SC Clearance required
We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to support a specialist Defence environment in Bristol. The role sits across closely linked operational and technical teams, supporting the delivery and in-service management of complex weapons and technical systems.
This is an operationally focused role requiring someone who can quickly understand a complex technical environment and manage competing requirements across technical, commercial, logistics and operational stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage day-to-day operational activities within a complex Defence environment.
- Support the management of complex weapons and technical systems throughout their lifecycle.
- Develop and implement acquisition strategies aligned with Category A Approval requirements.
- Plan and oversee tactical development firing trials, ensuring safety, governance and compliance.
- Manage suppliers and contracts, including milestones, deliverables and performance.
- Support procurement of equipment and services.
- Coordinate logistics and equipment delivery, including stock and associated operational processes.
- Manage project schedules, budgets, KPIs and delivery performance.
- Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies.
- Monitor service delivery and undertake supplier/service surveillance.
- Coordinate with technical, procurement, legal, logistics and operational teams.
- Support systems/equipment integration and development of operational procedures.
- Prepare and manage Category A Approval documentation.
- Report progress and key issues to senior stakeholders.
- Conduct post-trial evaluations and capture lessons learned.
Essential Experience
- Significant Operations Management experience within Defence or a similarly complex technical environment.
- Experience managing contracts, suppliers, deliverables and performance.
- Experience with complex technical systems, equipment or weapons.
- Experience in logistics, stock control or equipment management.
- Strong stakeholder management across technical and operational teams.
- Experience of risk, compliance, quality and service assurance.
- Experience managing schedules, budgets and KPIs.
- Strong understanding of Defence operational processes and governance.
- Current SC Security Clearance.
Desirable Experience
- Previous Defence experience.
- In-service support environment.
- Defence acquisition and Category A Approval.
- Complex weapons systems.
- Development firing trials.
- Engineering, particularly submarine engineering or engineering management.
- Class 1 Officer experience.
- Systems/equipment integration.
- Experience at a senior professional/management level, with responsibility for complex operational, technical and stakeholder requirements.
Interview Process
Interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams, with shortlisted candidates progressing directly to the Hiring Manager.
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