Operations Manager - Marine Services in London
Tods Defence Limited London About the role
Are you an experienced operations leader with a background in marine, defence, dockyard or complex industrial environments? This is an opportunity to take ownership of high-profile Marine Services delivery at Devonport Dockyard, leading teams, driving performance and ensuring safe, high-quality operational execution for critical client contracts. We are looking for a confident, hands-on Operations Manager who can bring structure, pace and commercial focus to a busy operational environment.
You will lead frontline delivery, build trusted relationships with clients and stakeholders, and help shape a culture where safety, quality and continuous improvement come first.
Why this role?
- Lead operational delivery across South region contracts, with a strong Devonport focus.
- Manage and develop a skilled operational workforce of 20+ personnel.
- Work in a unique marine and defence environment where quality, safety and precision matter.
- Be the key operational link between clients, stakeholders, teams and suppliers.
- Drive improvements that make a real impact on performance, safety and service delivery.
What you'll be doing
- As Operations Manager, you will be accountable for the safe, effective and commercially sound delivery of Marine Services operations.
- You will oversee planning, scheduling, resource allocation, materials, equipment, subcontractors and day-to-day contract delivery, ensuring work is completed to the required standards and client expectations.
- Lead day-to-day operational delivery for Marine Services contracts, with a focus on Devonport Dockyard.
- Supervise frontline leadership and multiple operational teams.
- Plan projects, allocate resources and coordinate materials, logistics and equipment.
- Ensure work meets contract specifications, quality requirements and relevant standards.
- Promote a strong HSE culture, including incident investigation and corrective action.
- Build effective relationships with naval base staff, Babcock stakeholders, Royal Navy contacts and other key partners.
- Manage performance, training, competency tracking, security clearance requirements and workforce planning.
- Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Ready to apply?
If you are ready to lead operational delivery in a challenging and rewarding marine services environment, we would love to hear from you. Apply now and bring your leadership, operational expertise and commitment to safety and quality to a role where your impact will be visible every day.
About Tods
For over 90 years, Tods has supplied advanced composite structures to the Royal Navy and more than 25 navies worldwide. Our products include sonar domes, acoustic windows, acoustic coatings, radomes and other complex structures that enhance sonar, radar and communications systems. As a growing business based in Portland, this is an exciting opportunity to join a company investing heavily in innovative manufacturing technologies.
Benefits
25 days annual leave plus
Your tasks
Lead operational delivery in a dynamic marine services environment, ensuring safety and quality.
Your profile
Experience in operations management within marine, defence, or industrial environments.
What's also included
Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
Tech stack & ways of working
Operations Manager - Marine Services in London employer: Tods Defence Limited
At Tods, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in Portland, Dorset. With a strong focus on employee development and a commitment to work-life balance through our 4-day working week, we provide numerous benefits including generous holiday allowances, a company pension scheme, and access to private healthcare. Join us to be part of a fast-growing business where your skills will be nurtured, and every day brings new challenges and opportunities for growth.
View Tods Defence Limited profile
Your perspectives
Make a real impact in a unique marine and defence setting with a focus on excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice
Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like Tods Defence Limited and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at Tods Defence Limited!
Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like Tods Defence Limited keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy
In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements
When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Tods Defence Limited
This is your chance to really connect with the team at Tods Defence Limited. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications
If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tods Defence Limited
Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with Tods Defence Limited.
Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show Tods Defence Limited that you're a team player!
Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at Tods Defence Limited. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
Locations
- London
