Operations Manager: Compliance & Continuous Improvement

Bedford Introduction Saab Uk; Higham Ferrers; On-site; GBP 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Saab UK is seeking an Operations Manager to join the BlueBear Business in Bedfordshire, responsible for governance, compliance, trials, and overall business coordination. The role focuses on process improvement, performance tracking, and integrating with Saab UK operations.

You will develop and monitor KPIs, manage audits, and coordinate export control, health & safety, and security compliance while leading continuous improvement initiatives and training on lean practices.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership skills to drive change across the organisation.
• Experience implementing change and improving processes.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience managing risks and implementing risk management policies including business continuity plans.
• Experience with Quality Management Systems and ISO 9001 compliance.
• Desirable familiarity with ISO 27001, export control, health & safety, and environmental management.
• Defence industry exposure and UK MOD experience are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Drive continuous improvement to achieve high standards across the organisation.
• 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 Business Plan delivery.
• Capture customer feedback, communicate success, and track changes.

Skills

Leadership

Change management

Communication

Risk management

Quality management

ISO 9001

ISO 27001 (desirable)

Export control

Health & safety

Security

Tools

BlueBear processes

Job description

Saab UK is seeking an Operations Manager to join the BlueBear Business in Bedfordshire, responsible for governance, compliance, trials, and overall business coordination. The role focuses on process improvement, performance tracking, and integrating with Saab UK operations.

You will develop and monitor KPIs, manage audits, and coordinate export control, health & safety, and security compliance while leading continuous improvement initiatives and training on lean practices.