Operations Manager

Operations Manager (Integrated Portfolio Team (IPT) Operations Lead),

📍 West Sussex – Hybrid / Flexible Working

🏭 Defence Manufacturing Environment

🔒 UK Security Clearance Required

About the Role:

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, and 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

People \& Team Leadership:

• 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

Process \& 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)

Financial \& Resource Management:

• 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

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• 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:

You will bring:

• 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
• 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.

Apply Now:

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