Operations Manager

Job Description:

Your Impact

Are you ready to lead and optimise service management operations that underpin critical national and defence services?

At Leonardo UK, our Operations Managers within the Service Management Operations Centre (SMOC) ensure resilient, efficient, and compliant service delivery across secure environments. You will manage operational performance, drive service governance, and provide expert advice to influence decisions and embed best practice.

This role demands strong leadership, supplier coordination, and the ability to balance operational priorities with strategic objectives.

Leonardo UK is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day operational execution, supply chain management, and HSE compliance across our NIGHTSHADE products. You will lead cross-functional delivery teams, ensure strict adherence to Ministry of Defence (MoD) standards, and optimise operational efficiency while maintaining compliance with UK export controls and security requirements.

What you will do as an Operations Delivery Manager

• Program & Operational Delivery: Oversee daily operations, ensuring milestones are met on time, within budget, and to specified MoD quality standards.
• Compliance & Security: Maintain compliance with Single Source Contract Regulations (SSCR), Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) frameworks, and UK Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) regulations (including ITAR/EAR compliance where applicable).
• Supply Chain & Risk Management: Monitor supply chain vulnerabilities, manage key supplier performance, and mitigate operational risks unique to the NIGHTSHADE product.
• Team Leadership & Resource Allocation: Lead multi-disciplinary teams (engineering, logistics, quality control), allocating resources efficiently across competing contract priorities.
• Continuous Improvement: Implement continuous improvement to streamline workflows, reduce manufacturing/assembly throughput times, and eliminate waste.
• Stakeholder Management: Serve as the primary operational point of contact for external stakeholders, including MoD representatives, security officers, and prime contractors.

What you'll bring

• Operational Leadership : Proven experience of operational management within UK defence, aerospace, or heavily regulated engineering sectors.
• Commercial Awareness: Experience managing operational budgets (£5M+), forecasting, and contract deliverable tracking under MoD frameworks.
• Standards & Frameworks : Working knowledge of DEFCONs/DEFSTANs, ISO 9001, and AS9100 quality standards.
• Supplier & Stakeholder Engagement : Skilled in influencing decisions and managing supplier relationships.
• Continuous Improvement : Track record of implementing operational efficiencies and automation.
• Team Development : Experience coaching and motivating technical and operations teams to deliver operational excellence - particularly in high-security environments.

Core areas of experience (must have):

• Service governance and operational performance management.
• Incident, problem, and change management.
• Supplier management and contract oversight.
• Stakeholder engagement and influencing decisions.
• Operational readiness and business continuity planning.
• Continuous improvement and innovation in service processes.
• Complex problem-solving and escalation management.
• Team leadership and capability development.

Desirable:

• Academic / Military Background: Degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or Business, or equivalent military operational experience (e.g., Ex-Forces logistics/engineering officers).
• Professional Certifications: PMP, PRINCE2, or Lean Six Sigma Black Belt qualification.
• Agency Interaction: Direct experience dealing with the UK Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) organization and Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA).

This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government's Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting

Location

This role can be based at our Yeovil site, with hybrid/custom working options agreed with your team based on project requirements.

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work-life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, and plan for the future, we're here to help you thrive.

Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 addition