Operations & Compliance Lead — Continuous Improvement

Bedford Introduction Saab Uk; Harborough; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Saab UK, Bedfordshire-based BlueBear operation, is seeking an Operations Manager to provide governance, compliance, trials and business coordination support. You will drive continuous improvement, standardise processes, and manage critical compliance areas including export control, health & safety, and security.

You will develop KPIs, capture customer feedback, coordinate audits, and lead business continuity activities while supporting Saab UK functions and internal projects.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership skills and ability to drive change across an organisation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for cross‑functional work.
• Motivated self‑starter requiring minimal supervision.
• Experience implementing effective change within an organisation.
• Proven experience managing risks and implementing risk management policies.
• Experience with Quality Management Systems and ISO 9001 compliance.
• Experience with ISO 27001 desirable.
• Awareness of export control, health & safety, and environmental management.
• Experience with defence industry and UK MOD desirable.
• Applicants must hold or be able to gain National Security Vetting clearance to SC level.

Responsibilities

• Drive continuous improvement across the organisation to achieve high standards.
• Be the focal point for process standardisation and compliance with the quality management system.
• Coordinate critical compliance areas including export control, health & safety, and security.
• Develop and track KPIs to support the delivery of the Strategic Business Plan.
• Implement processes to capture customer feedback and track improvements.
• Promote Operational Excellence across the organisation.
• Coordinate internal and external audit activity.
• Act as Risk and Opportunity Co-ordinator and lead business continuity activities.
• Coordinate compliance activities and resource planning for new standards.
• Capture and track internal feedback to drive improvements.
• Deliver internal training on continuous improvement / operational excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Change management

Risk management

ISO 9001

ISO 27001

Export control

Health & safety

Environmental management

Defence industry

Security clearance

Job description

Saab UK, Bedfordshire-based BlueBear operation, is seeking an Operations Manager to provide governance, compliance, trials and business coordination support. You will drive continuous improvement, standardise processes, and manage critical compliance areas including export control, health & safety, and security.

You will develop KPIs, capture customer feedback, coordinate audits, and lead business continuity activities while supporting Saab UK functions and internal projects.