Operations Excellence & Compliance Lead

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

Job summary

Saab UK, part of a global defence group, seeks an Operations Manager for the BlueBear Business in Bedfordshire. You will drive governance, compliance, trials and business coordination, delivering continuous improvement and KPI tracking. Lead audits, risk management, and training on operational excellence.

Role requires proven leadership, deep understanding of export controls, health & safety, and security. National Security Vetting clearance (SC) is essential or obtainable.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership and change-management experience.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience implementing ISO 9001 quality management and related controls.
• Knowledge of export control, H&S, and environmental management in a defence context.
• Defence industry experience and UK MOD exposure are desirable.
• Ability to support national security vetting processes including SC clearance.

Responsibilities

• Drive continuous improvement and governance across the organisation.
• Coordinate compliance areas including export control, H&S, and security.
• Develop and track KPIs aligned with the Strategic Business Plan.
• Lead risk and business continuity activities and audits.
• Capture feedback and enable operational excellence throughout BlueBear.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Change management

Risk management

Quality management ISO9001

ISO 27001

Export control

Health & Safety

Environmental management

Defence industry experience

SC clearance

Job description

Saab UK, part of a global defence group, seeks an Operations Manager for the BlueBear Business in Bedfordshire. You will drive governance, compliance, trials and business coordination, delivering continuous improvement and KPI tracking. Lead audits, risk management, and training on operational excellence.

Role requires proven leadership, deep understanding of export controls, health & safety, and security. National Security Vetting clearance (SC) is essential or obtainable.