Operations & Compliance Lead (Defence)

Bedford Introduction Saab Uk; Castle Ashby; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Saab UK, operating the BlueBear Business in Bedfordshire, seeks an Operations Manager to provide governance, compliance, trials and business coordination across the organisation. You will drive continuous improvement, develop KPIs and ensure alignment with Saab UK’s quality and security standards.

The role requires strong leadership, UK export control awareness and risk management, with National Security Vetting to SC level or eligibility.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership and ability to drive change within the organisation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Motivated self-starter requiring minimal supervision.
• Experience implementing effective change across an organisation.
• Proven risk management with business continuity plans.
• Experience implementing ISO 9001 quality management systems.
• ISO 27001 desirable.
• Aware of UK export control, H&S and environmental management.
• Experience in defence industry and UK MOD desirable.
• Requires National Security Vetting clearance to SC level or eligibility.
• Consent to workforce screening including baseline checks and security interview.

Responsibilities

• Drive continuous improvement to achieve high standards.
• Coordinate quality management system compliance and standardisation.
• Coordinate export control, health & safety, and security for Saab UK functions.
• Develop and track KPIs aligned with the Strategic Business Plan.
• Implement processes to capture customer feedback and track changes.
• Promote Operational Excellence throughout the organisation.
• Coordinate internal and external audit activity.
• Lead risk and opportunity management and business continuity activities.
• Oversee compliance resources and processes for new standards.
• Capture internal feedback to drive improvements.
• Deliver internal training on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Champion information management within BlueBear.
• Support internal project activity and manage the Facility Coordinator.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Change management

Risk management

Quality management systems

ISO 9001

ISO 27001 desirable

Export control awareness

Health & safety compliance

Security vetting clearance

Workforce screening consent

Job description

Saab UK, operating the BlueBear Business in Bedfordshire, seeks an Operations Manager to provide governance, compliance, trials and business coordination across the organisation. You will drive continuous improvement, develop KPIs and ensure alignment with Saab UK’s quality and security standards.

The role requires strong leadership, UK export control awareness and risk management, with National Security Vetting to SC level or eligibility.