Operations Excellence Lead | Compliance & Process Improvement

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

Job summary

Saab UK is seeking an experienced Operations Manager for Bedford, responsible for governance, compliance, trials and business coordination across the BlueBear operation. You will drive process improvements, track performance, and ensure alignment with Saab UK standards and export control requirements.

Key duties include coordinating audits, managing risk and business continuity, and leading change initiatives across the organisation, including export controls and safety compliance.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership and change management capabilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience implementing risk management policies including business continuity plans.
• Experience with Quality Management Systems and ISO 9001 compliance.
• Awareness of export controls, health & safety and environmental management.

Responsibilities

• Drive continuous improvement to achieve high standards.
• Lead compliance with the organisation's quality management system (ISO 9001).
• Coordinate export control, health & safety, and security compliance with Saab UK functions.
• Develop and track KPIs to support the Strategic Business Plan.
• Coordinate internal and external audits and manage risk and continuity activities.
• Implement new compliance standards and business tools; capture and act on feedback.

Skills

Leadership

Change management

Communication

Risk management

ISO 9001

ISO 27001

Export controls

UK MOD

Security vetting

Job description

Saab UK is seeking an experienced Operations Manager for Bedford, responsible for governance, compliance, trials and business coordination across the BlueBear operation. You will drive process improvements, track performance, and ensure alignment with Saab UK standards and export control requirements.

Key duties include coordinating audits, managing risk and business continuity, and leading change initiatives across the organisation, including export controls and safety compliance.