Operations Manager
7 days ago
East Kilbride
Operations Manager (Integrated Portfolio Team (IPT) Operations Lead), West Sussex – Hybrid / Flexible Working Defence Manufacturing Environment UK Security Clearance Required About the Role: We are recruiting for an experienced Operations Manager (Integrated Portfolio Team Operations Lead) to oversee and drive the day-to-day performance of key Integrated Portfolio Team (IPT) operations within a complex manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for ensuring the smooth, efficient, and cost-effective execution of operational activity, acting as the bridge between IPT teams and manufacturing/delivery functions. You will contribute to IPT strategy and lead its execution, ensuring that service levels, productivity, quality, safety, and cost targets are consistently achieved. The role operates within a matrix organisation, requiring strong cross-functional leadership across Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality, and Industrialisation Engineering teams. Key Responsibilities: Operational Leadership: • Lead daily operations to ensure consistent delivery of products, • Own demand and supply alignment across IPT operations, • Monitor KPIs and drive improvements in productivity, quality, & efficiency, • Ensure compliance with internal policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements, • Own make-or-buy decisions with input from Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Industrialisation teams People & Team Leadership: • Indirectly manage, coach, and develop operational teams in a matrix structure, • Oversee planning, scheduling, and resource requirements, • Promote a positive, safe, and accountable workplace culture, • Support performance reviews, coaching, and identification of training needs, • Work closely with Operational Excellence teams to support continuous improvement Process & Continuous Improvement: • Identify operational bottlenecks and implement workflow improvements, • Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean / Six Sigma methodologies, • Ensure SOPs and operational documentation are maintained and up to date, • Act as approval authority for Industrialisation Engineering reviews (DFM, DFA, DFL) Financial & Resource Management: • Manage operational costs and resource utilisation against budget, • Support forecasting and capacity planning activities, • Contribute to cost reduction initiatives through effective utilisation of people, equipment, and materials, • Develop capacity plans for IPT operations Cross-Functional Collaboration: • Support operational readiness for new product or service introduction, • Provide operational input to strategic planning activities, • Support customer engagement and collaboration where required About You: You will bring: • Proven experience in matrix operations management within defence, manufacturing or similar highly regulated environments, • Strong understanding of operational processes, workflow optimisation, and performance management, • Experience with continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma), • Strong capability in data analysis, KPI management, and reporting, • Experience using MRP/ERP systems, • Engineering or manufacturing background (degree or equivalent experience), • Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills, • A hands-on approach to managing operational teams What’s on Offer: • 37.5-hour working week, • Early Friday finishes, • Hybrid/flexible working arrangements, • 28 days annual leave + Christmas closure, • Pension scheme with matched contributions, • Income protection and life assurance, • Wellbeing support and employee benefits platform, • Strong learning and development opportunities UK Security Clearance: Due to the nature of the role, candidates must be eligible for UK Security Clearance and able to provide evidence of UK residency history as required. Apply Now: If you have experience leading operations in a complex Defence manufacturing environment and enjoy driving performance across cost, quality, and delivery, we’d be interested in hearing from you. Application deadline: Thursday 7th May