Operations Director

Callen-Lenz; Salisbury; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Operations Director to lead their operational excellence initiatives. This pivotal role involves shaping strategies, driving efficiency, and fostering a high-performance culture within a dynamic team. As part of a rapidly growing organization in the aerospace sector, you will oversee critical functions while ensuring alignment with broader company goals. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a forward-thinking environment, where your leadership will help navigate the challenges of growth and innovation in UAS technology.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Buy/Sell holiday policy

Pension Scheme

Company Share Incentive Plan

Green Car Scheme

Life Assurance

Private Health Insurance

Private Dental Insurance

Enhanced Maternity and Paternity

Training & Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in an Executive-level role with strategic decision-making authority.
• In-depth knowledge of emerging manufacturing technologies and market trends.

Responsibilities

• Lead and drive operational teams across Manufacturing, Health and Safety, Facilities, and Quality.
• Develop and implement operational strategies that align with company vision.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Thinking

Operational Efficiency

Communication Skills

Continuous Improvement

Change Management

Health & Safety Compliance

Manufacturing Technologies

Education

Degree in Engineering/Manufacturing

Tools

ISO9001:2015 Standards

Job description

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Operations Director

Vacancy Reference: 2025/CLA-338

Position: Full-time

Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK

Salary Range: £90k - £110k per annum depending on relevant experience

At Callen-Lenz, we are expanding the limits of what is possible. We specialise in crewed and uncrewed aircraft operations and technology, and having recently received investment into the business we are going through a period of rapid growth and development and are looking for key roles to assist with these changes. Callen-Lenz offers innovative and customer focused UAS solutions through our 4 key business strands; technical services, products, platforms and operational services. We are looking for individuals to help drive forward our expansion, placing you at forefront of UAS development in the UK.

Our Values

• Teamwork
• Commitment
• Initiative
• Creativity
• Agility
• Integrity
• Enjoyment
  
  
  

Why Work for Us

Based in the heart of rural Wiltshire, close to the Historic city of Salisbury you will join our rapidly growing, friendly and multi-disciplined team, working on a range of diverse and interesting projects, leading the way in this exciting field and witnessing the full lifecycle of our products. The Callen-Lenz team are passionate about what we do, and we are searching for individuals to grow with us as we expand into the aerospace industry.

Our benefits include:

• 25 days annual leave per year (plus bank holidays)
• Buy/Sell holiday policy up to 5 days either way
• Pension Scheme via Royal London
• Company contributed Share Incentive Plan.
• Green Car Scheme
• Life assurance scheme (6x basic salary) Income protection policy (75% of basic salary)
• Private Health Insurance via Vitality
• Private Dental insurance via Bupa
• Enhanced Maternity and paternity
• 1 Professional membership reimbursed per year
• 1 paid volunteering day per year
• Access to an independent financial advisor year round
• Training & development opportunities
  
  
  

About The Role

As Operations Director, you will be a key member of the senior leadership team at Callen Lenz, playing a pivotal role in shaping and delivering our operational excellence and supporting a high performing, people focused culture.

You will lead and drive the teams responsible for our day to day operations across Manufacturing, Health and Safety, Facilities, and Quality. Alongside managing these critical functions, you will define and execute the long term strategic direction to ensure these areas align with and enable the company’s broader goals.

This is a hands on leadership role, ideal for someone who thrives in both setting direction and getting involved directly to ensure smooth, efficient, and high quality operational delivery. You will work closely with senior colleagues across the business to build strong foundations that empower our people and scale our impact.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the overall strategy and long-term goals of the company, working closely with the CEO and board of directors.
• Develop and implement an operational strategy that aligns with the company’s vision, while driving continuous improvement and operational efficiency across all functions.
• Lead and inspire a diverse team, fostering a high-performance culture that encourages innovation, teamwork, and employee development.
• Ensure all operational activities are aligned with company targets, driving performance improvements and influencing positive outcomes.
• Work closely with other members of the senior leadership team to build and maintain strong customer relationships, ensuring exceptional service delivery.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimise cost control, meet schedule targets, and drive operational excellence.
• Ensure resource availability aligns with production schedules, implementing efficient processes to maximise productivity and minimise waste.
• Champion the creation and implementation of best practice manufacturing tools and techniques, maintaining consistent quality standards.
• Identify and mitigate risks while capitalising on opportunities to enhance operational outcomes.
• Take full P&L responsibility, overseeing financial control, budgeting, and project costing across all company projects.
• Provide technical and cost inputs to new business bids, facilitating successful outcomes.
• Ensure all operations are carried out in full compliance with ISO9001:2015 quality standards.
• Create and promote a safe working environment consistent with all applicable company and legislative requirements (e.g. COSHH, HASAW, HSE)
• Direct the maintenance of a safe and healthy working environment by eliminating hazards, training employees, and promoting safety awareness
• Health & Safety Coordination – regulations, communications, walk-rounds and actions
  
  
  

Qualifications

About You

A degree or equivalent in a relevant engineering/ manufacturing discipline is desirable.

Skills and competencies

Essential

• In-depth knowledge of emerging manufacturing technologies, market trends, and their application to operational strategies.
• Proven experience in an Executive-level or Head of Function role, with the authority to make strategic decisions that shape operational outcomes.
• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking capabilities, with a track record of analysing complex situations, identifying key opportunities, and using insights to drive decision-making.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence both internal teams and external stakeholders effectively.
• Demonstrable experience in leading and supporting organisational change initiatives, driving results through innovation, continuous improvement, and team collaboration.
• Proven ability to build, lead, and inspire high-performing teams, fostering a culture of innovation, quality, and commitment to achieving goals.
• Expertise in high-value manufacturing processes, industry regulations, and quality management systems; computer literate with proficiency in industry-specific tools and systems.
• Experience in leading continuous improvement and change management initiatives to optimise on-time delivery and operational efficiency.
• Comprehensive experience in overseeing Health & Safety, Quality, and Facilities functions, ensuring compliance and operational effectiveness.
• Practical experience in composite manufacturing, including understanding of material-specific processes, technologies, and challenges inherent in composite materials.
• Demonstrated ability to act as an “agent for change,” driving transformational initiatives within the organisation.
  
  
  

Desirable

• Previous experience in an aerospace environment, with knowledge of aerospace-specific manufacturing processes, regulations, and standards.
  
  
  

Callen-Lenz is an equal opportunities employer, committed to building an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. It is essential that the successful candidate must, by the start of their employment have permission to work in the UK. Proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK will be required prior to commencement of employment.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Executive

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Manufacturing

• Industries

  Aviation & Aerospace

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