Operations Manager/Project Manager

Rullion Engineering Cumbria; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Rullion Ltd. is seeking an experienced Operations Manager for a high-profile defence programme.

The role involves overseeing complex operations, in-service support, logistics, and contract delivery from Bristol with hybrid (60% on-site) working arrangements. The ideal candidate will have significant operations management experience within defence/engineering environments, strong stock/contract management skills, and proven ability to coordinate high-level logistics across multiple regions.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in operations management, ideally within a complex engineering, defence, or technical environment.
• Experience managing complex operations, programmes, or in-service support activities.
• Strong knowledge of stock control, contract management, and service delivery oversight.
• Experience coordinating high-level logistics, including cargo, freight, and equipment transportation.
• The ability to quickly understand complex operational environments and become effective in the role.
• Strong organisational, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver results with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operational management of complex weapons and in-service support activities.
• Provide technical and operational support across multiple teams, working closely with subject matter experts.
• Manage stock control, contract deliverables, and service performance to ensure milestones are met.
• Monitor and maintain operational standards through service surveillance and performance management.
• Oversee project plans, renewals, and ongoing improvements to in-service support arrangements.
• Coordinate and manage complex logistics for live-firing exercises and operational activities across the UK, USA, and Arctic regions.
• Plan and oversee transportation of equipment, freight, and specialist kit to challenging locations.
• Coordinate specialist logistical requirements, including polar bear training and navigating difficult terrain in overseas environments.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and stakeholders to ensure operational readiness and effective service delivery.
• Provide support across other operational management activities as required.
• Work independently, managing priorities and delivering outcomes with minimal supervision.

Skills

Operations management

Defence experience

Logistics coordination

Stock control

Contract management

Stakeholder management

Independent working

Job description

Job title: Operations Manager

Job Type: Contract. IR35 Status: Inside IR35. Start date: ASAP. Duration: 6 months. Location: Bristol. Hybrid/Remote Working: Hybrid (60% on site requirement).

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to support a high-profile defence programme, overseeing complex operations, in-service support, logistics, and contract delivery. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced operations professional with a background in defence, engineering, or complex logistics to join a specialist team and play a key role in ensuring operational excellence and the effective delivery of critical services.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operational management of complex weapons and associated in-service support activities.
• Provide technical and operational support across multiple teams, working closely with subject matter experts.
• Manage stock control, contract deliverables, and service performance to ensure all milestones are met.
• Monitor and maintain operational standards through effective service surveillance and performance management.
• Oversee project plans, renewals, and ongoing improvements to in-service support arrangements.
• Coordinate and manage complex logistics for live-firing exercises and operational activities across the UK, USA, and Arctic regions.
• Plan and oversee the transportation of equipment, freight, and specialist kit to challenging and remote locations.
• Coordinate specialist logistical requirements, including polar bear training and navigating difficult terrain in overseas environments.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and stakeholders to ensure operational readiness and effective service delivery.
• Provide support across other operational management activities as required.
• Work independently, managing priorities and delivering outcomes with minimal supervision.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Significant experience in operations management, ideally within a complex engineering, defence, or technical environment.
• Experience managing complex operations, programmes, or in-service support activities.
• Strong knowledge of stock control, contract management, and service delivery oversight.
• Experience coordinating high-level logistics, including cargo, freight, and equipment transportation.
• The ability to quickly understand complex operational environments and become effective in the role.
• Strong organisational, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver results with minimal supervision.

This role may suit individuals with experience in:

• Defence or military operations.
• Marine or submarine engineering.
• Senior military or engineering management positions.
• Complex weapons systems or technical in-service support.
• High-level logistics and operational coordination.

Working Arrangements

The role is primarily remote, with an expectation of approximately 60% on-site attendance. On-site requirements may vary, with some weeks involving several days at the office and other periods requiring little or no on-site attendance. Attendance at face-to-face workshops and other key operational meetings will also be required. If you have a strong background in complex operations management, technical support, and logistics, we would love to hear from you.

Company information:

This contract is being advertised by Rullion Ltd. Since 1978, Rullion has been securing exceptional candidates for a range of clients; from large well-known brands, to SMEs and start-ups. As a family-owned business, Rullion's approach is credible and honest, focused on building long-lasting relationships with both clients and candidates. Rullion is a forward-thinking recruitment company that specialises in providing a wide range of talent consultancy services to a diverse client base; from small start-ups to large household names. We celebrate and support diversity and are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants. Rullion celebrates and supports diversity and is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants