Operations Excellence Lead - Compliance & Improvement

Bedford Introduction Saab Uk; Luddington in the Brook; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Saab UK is seeking an Operations Manager for Bedford to oversee governance, compliance, trials, and business coordination for the BlueBear Business. You will drive process improvements and track performance across the organisation while integrating with Saab UK.

The role requires strong leadership, risk management, and experience with quality systems and ISO standards, plus SC level clearance or the ability to obtain it.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership skills and ability to drive change in the organisation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Highly motivated self-starter requiring minimal supervision.
• Experience implementing effective change in an organisation.
• Experience managing risks and implementing risk management policies including business continuity plans.
• Experience implementing Quality Management Systems and ISO 9001 compliance.
• ISO 27001 knowledge is desirable.
• Awareness of UK export controls, H&S and environmental management desirable.
• Experience with the defence industry and UK MOD desirable.
• National Security Vetting clearance to SC level or ability to gain it required.

Responsibilities

• Drive continuous improvement 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 strategic plan.
• Capture customer feedback and drive changes across the organisation.
• Coordinate internal and external audit activity.
• Lead risk and business continuity activities.
• Implement new compliance standards and tools; ensure resources exist.
• Provide internal training on continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Change management

Communication

Self-motivation

Risk management

Quality Management Systems

ISO 9001 knowledge

ISO 27001 desirable

Export control awareness

UK MOD desirable

National Security Vetting (SC)

Job description

Saab UK is seeking an Operations Manager for Bedford to oversee governance, compliance, trials, and business coordination for the BlueBear Business. You will drive process improvements and track performance across the organisation while integrating with Saab UK.

The role requires strong leadership, risk management, and experience with quality systems and ISO standards, plus SC level clearance or the ability to obtain it.