At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive delivery and logistics for UK contracts, building processes from scratch.
- Company: Fast-growing defence-tech company with a mission-first mentality.
- Benefits: Dynamic work environment with real ownership and hands-on experience.
- Other info: Expect to innovate and solve problems in an evolving landscape.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-paced setting where you shape the future.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in delivery or operations, ideally in defence or aerospace.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
You are the execution engine behind every UK contract Xtend signs. This is not a traditional PMO role. You will build delivery, logistics, and operational discipline from the ground up - the structure that lets us scale from a single contract to a portfolio of MOD programmes without compromising quality or pace. The right candidate builds a process while delivering the work, not before it.
Core responsibilities
- Own delivery end-to-end across every UK contract - Whatever it takes to ship on time and on specification.
- Build the operational backbone: project plans, supplier coordination, RACI, milestones, customer reporting. The structure does not yet exist - you create it.
- Run logistics, equipment movement, demos, and training events. Hands on the kit, not just on the schedule.
- Coordinate execution across UK technical, BD, compliance, and global engineering teams - across time zones and engineering cultures.
- Track delivery, budget, and risk at the project level. Escalate early. Resolve quickly.
- Stand up the new UK facility as a delivery project in its own right - lease, fit-out, lab move, security, IT.
- Be the operational single point of contact when customers need a decision the same day.
Requirements
- 5+ years running delivery or operations in defence, aerospace, or regulated hardware - ideally in environments small enough that you executed the work yourself.
- Proven track record in taking complex multi‑stakeholder programmes from kick‑off to delivery, against firm contractual milestones.
- Builder, not maintainer. You have built a process and structure from a blank page before, not only operated inside someone else’s system.
- Equally comfortable in a boardroom, a warehouse, and a lab.
- Sharp written and verbal communication - able to run a customer review and produce the minutes the same day.
- Fluent English; right to work in the UK.
- Strong advantage: ex‑military or MOD background, PRINCE2 / APM, prior UAV or unmanned systems exposure.
Environment and expectations
Xtend UK is a fast‑growing defence‑tech company. Pace is high, structure is being built, and ownership is real. You will be expected to contribute beyond the formal scope of your role. Team members support each other to execute the mission successfully. Mission‑first mentality. We are building capability that ends up in the hands of operators - that comes before process and hierarchy. This role is about making things happen in a setting where the playbook is still being written. Comfort with operational ambiguity is essential. Expect to design processes lean and iterate - not to import a heavyweight corporate PMO model. Problem‑solving and logistics improvisation are part of the daily routine. The work is hands‑on as much as it is strategic. Execution speed matters. We operate with urgency, high ownership, and a strong bias toward action.
Project / Operation Manager in Swindon employer: Xtend
Xtend UK is an exceptional employer for those seeking a dynamic and impactful role in the defence-tech sector. With a mission-first mentality and a culture that prioritises ownership and collaboration, employees are empowered to innovate and build operational structures from the ground up. The fast-paced environment offers unique opportunities for personal and professional growth, making it an ideal place for individuals who thrive in challenging and evolving settings.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project / Operation Manager in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the defence and aerospace sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your hands-on experience! When you’re chatting with potential employers, highlight your ability to get stuck in and deliver results. Share specific examples of how you've built processes from scratch and managed complex projects. This will demonstrate that you’re not just a planner but a doer.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to adapt! In a fast-paced environment like Xtend, flexibility is key. Prepare to discuss how you’ve navigated operational ambiguity in the past and how you can bring that problem-solving mindset to the table. Employers love candidates who can think on their feet!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It shows initiative and gives us a chance to see your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application doesn’t get lost in the shuffle!
We think you need these skills to ace Project / Operation Manager in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Hands-On Experience:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your hands-on experience in delivery and operations. We want to see how you've rolled up your sleeves and made things happen, not just what you've managed from a distance.
Be a Builder, Not a Maintainer:We’re looking for someone who can create processes from scratch. In your application, share examples of how you've built structures or systems before, rather than just following existing ones. This will show us you’re the right fit for our fast-paced environment.
Communicate Clearly and Concisely:Sharp written communication is key for this role. Make sure your application is clear and to the point. Use bullet points if necessary to make your achievements stand out. We want to see that you can produce quality documentation quickly!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at Xtend
✨Understand the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand what the Project/Operation Manager role entails. Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as building delivery processes and coordinating logistics. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
Since this role requires a hands-on approach, be ready to share specific examples from your past where you've executed projects yourself. Highlight instances where you built processes from scratch or managed complex multi-stakeholder programmes, demonstrating your ability to deliver under pressure.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss how you've tackled operational challenges in the past. Think of examples where you had to improvise logistics or resolve issues quickly. This will show that you're comfortable with ambiguity and can think on your feet, which is crucial for this fast-paced environment.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Sharp communication is key for this role. Practice summarising your experiences succinctly and clearly, as you'll need to convey complex information effectively. Be prepared to run through a mock customer review or produce minutes on the spot to showcase your verbal and written skills.
