Production Operations Specialist (Duly Authorised Person) in Reading

AWE is currently recruiting for a Production Operations Specialist (Duly Authorised Person) – Assembly Technology Centre.

Location – Basingstoke/Reading

Package – £38,000-£42,000 dependant on skills and experience plus allowances

Shift Role:

• Early Shift 06:00 - 14:45
• Late Shift 14:15 - 23:00

Key Accountabilities:

• Perform role of Duly Authorised Person (DAP) to supervise high hazard operations within manufacturing process areas.
• Ensure technical support to manufacturing process areas, programme and/or project managers throughout AWE.
• Full task management including task setting, approval of leave and input into annual appraisals.
• Deliver assigned tasks in accordance with requirements, operational constraints, time, cost and quality.
• Ensuring best manufacturing practice in terms of productivity, reliability, innovation and quality to the workplace.
• Maintain and promote high personal standards in environment, safety, health, security and quality and be a great team player.
• Deliver or assist in the delivery of new manufacturing processes/equipment by delivering the agreed objectives/milestones and associated technical specifications/documentation in accordance with company processes and standards.
• Participating and reporting on metrics relating to overall end-to-end performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Apply and consolidate specialist skills and knowledge and ensure essential procedures are followed.
• Help to define the standards and specifications around which others will operate.
• Developed communication and diplomacy skills used to direct/persuade/influence others.
• Set delivery-based objectives and task day to day activity.
• Advising Function of resource requirements.
• Strong communication and diplomacy skills are required to guide, influence and convince others, in particular colleagues in other areas/departments and external customers/other tech centres/sub functions.
• Influencing decisions through advice, counsel or facilitating services to others in area of specialisation.
• Support delivery of training- both hands on and classroom.
• Establish and record customer and process requirements including the production of configuration documentation in accordance with the appropriate procedures and legislation.
• Identification of all legislation and regulatory requirements associated with new and existing processes, ensuring compliance.
• Subject Matter Expert for process in a manufacturing environment, including the development and implementation of operational documentation.
• Liaise with key stakeholders, project teams and management, ensuring appropriate communication of project/programme status and any circumstance reflecting upon safety, security, efficiency, quality, management or any other respective area of responsibility.
• Adopt a ‘See It, Own It, Solve It’ mind-set, by identifying obstacles to success and taking ownership to find solutions to those problems.
• Supporting ESH requirements and assessments within operational facility.
• Conduct and Support Investigations within the operational facility.
• Responsible for undertaking other duties as reasonably required from time to time by line and task management, including work at other places within the UK or overseas; this will be done in consultation with you, and in accordance with any requirements contained in your Contract of Employment.

Who are we looking for?

Whilst not to be considered a tick list, we would like you to have some of the following:

Experience

• Previous leadership or supervisory experience within a manufacturing, engineering, or operational environment.
• Experience working in high‐hazard, safety‐critical, or regulated facilities.
• Proven experience in task or work‐package management, including planning, prioritisation, and delivery.
• Experience supporting projects, programmes, or equipment/process introduction into an operational environment.
• Experience of working with multidisciplinary teams and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders.

Technical Skills

• Ability to operate as a Duly Authorised Person (DAP) or demonstrate suitability to become one.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment, and operational controls.
• Competence in producing, reviewing, and approving technical documentation, procedures, and risk assessments.
• Ability to analyse operational data and performance metrics to drive improvement.
• Familiarity with configuration management, change control, and technical governance processes.

Knowledge

• Good working knowledge of manufacturing best practice, including quality, reliability, productivity, and continuous improvement.
• Understanding of relevant legislation, regulatory requirements, and compliance obligations (e.g. ESH, COSHH, risk management).
• Knowledge of safety management systems and investigation techniques.
• Awareness of project lifecycle management and integration into live operations.
• Understanding of security‐conscious working environments and information control.

Communications

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical and operational information.
• Confidence in influencing and advising stakeholders at all levels, including management and external partners.
• Ability to challenge constructively and escalate issues appropriately.
• Effective communicator in both routine operations and high‐pressure situations.
• Capable of delivering training and mentoring others in both classroom and operational settings.

Personality Profile

• Calm, methodical, and resilient, with the ability to remain effective in a fast‐moving and priority‐changing environment.
• Proactive and accountable, demonstrating a strong “See It, Own It, Solve It” mindset.
• Collaborative team player who promotes high standards and positive behaviours.
• Comfortable leading change and driving continuous improvement.
• Highly organised, self‐motivated, and able to manage competing demands effectively.
• Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and a strong safety‐first mindset.

Candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for this role.

Next steps:

Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don’t always ‘tick every box’. That’s why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don’t meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we’d love to receive your application.

Important things you need to know:

• We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.
• You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE.
• The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV.

We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process.

Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process. Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants.