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- Tasks: Lead daily operations and drive performance in a dynamic defence manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a leading defence manufacturing company with a focus on innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, early finishes, generous leave, and strong development opportunities.
- Other info: UK Security Clearance required; apply by 7th May!
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a complex environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations management and a background in engineering or manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
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
- 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
- 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)
- 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
- 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:
- 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.
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
Operations Manager employer: Empresaria UK Ltd
Contact Detail:
Empresaria UK Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their products and services, and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. We want you to walk in feeling confident and ready to showcase your skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, especially those related to operational leadership and continuous improvement. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable with your responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our hiring process.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in matrix operations management and any relevant continuous improvement methodologies you've used. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Integrated Portfolio Team. Share specific examples of how you've driven performance in previous roles, especially in complex manufacturing environments.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We’re looking for strong leadership capabilities, so don’t hold back! Mention any experience you have in coaching and developing teams, and how you’ve promoted a positive workplace culture. This will help us see your potential as a leader in our organisation.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Empresaria UK Ltd
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of operations management within a defence manufacturing context. Familiarise yourself with key terms like Lean, Six Sigma, and MRP/ERP systems. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in leading teams, especially in a matrix structure. Think of specific examples where you've coached or developed team members, and how you’ve promoted a positive workplace culture. Highlighting these experiences will show that you can effectively manage and inspire others.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in operational bottlenecks or performance management. Prepare scenarios from your past where you successfully implemented workflow improvements or drove continuous improvement initiatives. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Understand the Company’s Goals and Values
Research the company’s mission and values, especially regarding their approach to safety, quality, and efficiency. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their strategic goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in being part of their team.