Operations Excellence Lead - Defence & Compliance

Bedford Introduction Saab Uk; Ramsey Saint Mary's; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Saab UK is seeking an Operations Manager for the Bedford BlueBear operation. The role spans governance, compliance, trials and business coordination to continuously improve operations and integration with Saab UK.

You will drive process standardisation, manage risk and support audits while coordinating cross-functional activities and staff training to sustain performance and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership and change-management capabilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience implementing risk management policies and business continuity plans.
• Experience implementing ISO 9001 and awareness of ISO 27001.
• Familiarity with export control, health & safety, and security requirements.
• Knowledge of defence industry and UK MOD is desirable.
• National Security Vetting clearance to SC level or ability to gain it.

Responsibilities

• Drive continuous improvement to achieve high standards across the organisation.
• Coordinate quality management system compliance and standardisation.
• Lead compliance initiatives for export control, health & safety, and security.
• Develop and track KPIs aligned to the Strategic Business Plan.
• Capture customer feedback and communicate success while tracking changes.
• Coordinate internal and external audits and risk-management activities.
• Lead business continuity planning and act as Risk & Opportunity Coordinator.
• Support the Facility Coordinator and supervise internal project activity.

Skills

Leadership

Change management

Communication

Risk management

Quality management

ISO 9001

ISO 27001

Export control awareness

Security clearance readiness

Job description

Saab UK is seeking an Operations Manager for the Bedford BlueBear operation. The role spans governance, compliance, trials and business coordination to continuously improve operations and integration with Saab UK.

You will drive process standardisation, manage risk and support audits while coordinating cross-functional activities and staff training to sustain performance and customer satisfaction.