At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage operations in a complex Defence environment and oversee technical systems.
- Company: Join a leading Defence organisation in Bristol with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, professional development, and the chance to work on impactful projects.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to work with cutting-edge technology.
- Why this job: Make a difference in Defence by managing complex systems and collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in Operations Management within Defence or similar technical fields.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Location
Bristol, Abbey Wood – 60% onsite
Contract
- 6 months
- 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.
Operations Manager employer: GTC Recruitment
Join a leading public-sector organisation as a Pay & Reward Advisor, where you will thrive in a fully remote work environment that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. This role offers competitive pay and the chance to contribute to meaningful employee initiatives while developing your skills in a supportive and collaborative culture. With opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to employee well-being, this is an excellent place to advance your career in Pay & Reward.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like GTC Recruitment. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at GTC Recruitment.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at GTC Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at GTC Recruitment and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at GTC Recruitment
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like GTC Recruitment will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to GTC Recruitment.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at GTC Recruitment.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at GTC Recruitment. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
