Operations Manager

The Abbey; West of England; On-site; GBP 135,000 - 164,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

SC Clearance

Job summary

The Abbey in Bristol is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to support a specialist Defence environment. The role spans operational and technical teams, focusing on delivery and in-service management of complex weapons and systems.

It requires rapid understanding of a technical setting and governance across stakeholders. Essential experience includes leading operations in defence or similar environments, managing contracts and suppliers, and maintaining SC clearance.

Qualifications

• Significant operations management experience in defence or a similarly complex technical environment.
• Experience managing contracts, suppliers, deliverables and performance.
• Experience with complex technical systems, equipment or weapons.
• Experience in logistics, stock control or equipment management.
• Strong stakeholder management across technical and operational teams.
• Current SC Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operational activities within a complex Defence environment.
• Support the management of complex weapons and technical systems throughout their lifecycle.
• Develop and implement acquisition strategies aligned with Category A Approval requirements.
• Plan and oversee tactical development firing trials, ensuring safety, governance and compliance.
• Manage suppliers and contracts, including milestones, deliverables and performance.
• Support procurement of equipment and services.
• Coordinate logistics and equipment delivery, including stock and associated operational processes.
• Manage project schedules, budgets, KPIs and delivery performance.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies.
• Monitor service delivery and undertake supplier/service surveillance.
• Coordinate with technical, procurement, legal, logistics and operational teams.
• Support systems/equipment integration and development of operational procedures.
• Prepare and manage Category A Approval documentation.
• Report progress and key issues to senior stakeholders.
• Conduct post-trial evaluations and capture lessons learned.

Skills

Operations management

Contract management

Stakeholder management

Logistics management

Risk & compliance

Microsoft Teams

Tools

Microsoft Teams

Job description

Job DescriptionLocation: Bristol, Abbey Wood - 60% onsite Contract: 6 months IR35: Inside IR35 Rate: £650 per day Umbrella Security Clearance: SC Clearance required We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to support a specialist Defence environment in Bristol. The role sits across closely linked operational and technical teams, supporting the delivery and in-service management of complex weapons and technical systems. This is an operationally focused role requiring someone who can quickly understand a complex technical environment and manage competing requirements across technical, commercial, logistics and operational stakeholders. Key Responsibilities Manage day-to-day operational activities within a complex Defence environment. Support the management of complex weapons and technical systems throughout their lifecycle. Develop and implement acquisition strategies aligned with Category A Approval requirements. Plan and oversee tactical development firing trials, ensuring safety, governance and compliance. Manage suppliers and contracts, including milestones, deliverables and performance. Support procurement of equipment and services. Coordinate logistics and equipment delivery, including stock and associated operational processes. Manage project schedules, budgets, KPIs and delivery performance. Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies. Monitor service delivery and undertake supplier/service surveillance. Coordinate with technical, procurement, legal, logistics and operational teams. Support systems/equipment integration and development of operational procedures. Prepare and manage Category A Approval documentation. Report progress and key issues to senior stakeholders. Conduct post-trial evaluations and capture lessons learned. Essential Experience

• Significant Operations Management experience within Defence or a similarly complex technical environment. Experience managing contracts, suppliers, deliverables and performance.
• Experience with complex technical systems, equipment or weapons.
• Experience in logistics, stock control or equipment management. Strong stakeholder management across technical and operational teams. Experience of risk, compliance, quality and service assurance. Experience managing schedules, budgets and KPIs. Strong understanding of Defence operational processes and governance. Current SC Security Clearance.
• Desirable Experience Previous Defence experience. In-service support environment. Defence acquisition and Category A Approval. Complex weapons systems. Development firing trials. Engineering, particularly submarine engineering or engineering management. Class 1 Officer experience. Systems/equipment integration. Experience at a senior professional/management level, with responsibility for complex operational, technical and stakeholder requirements.
• Interview Process Interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams, with shortlisted candidates progressing directly to the Hiring Manager