Principal Operations Manager

BAE Systems - UK; Barrow-in-Furness; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor in Barrow-in-Furness seeks a Principal Operations Manager to lead the development of production requirements and manage a high-performing team. Candidates must possess proven leadership experience in operations and manufacturing, with a track record of delivering complex projects. This role offers a competitive salary and various employee benefits, including relocation support, in an inclusive work culture that values diversity and integrity. The position requires onsite presence and aligns with company values.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Employee share plans

Flexible health benefits

Green car scheme

Private health plans

Shopping discounts

Annual incentive eligibility

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior leadership role of comparable size and scope.
• Background in operations and manufacturing with a focus on safety.
• Demonstrated track record of delivering complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of production requirements for SSNA.
• Establish and maintain an effective team aligned with company values.
• Manage resource profiles, training plans, and budgets.

Skills

Senior leadership

Operations and manufacturing

Complex project delivery

Stakeholder influence

Team leadership

Education

Degree-level education or leadership qualification

Job description

Job Title: Principal Operations Manager

Location: Barrow-in-Furness (onsite)

Salary: competitive

What you’ll be doing

• Lead the development of production requirements, governing acceptable change and realise fit‑for‑purpose facilities for SSNA
• Establish and maintain an effective team, ensuring clear goals are set and reviewed and facilitate a culture which is in line with the company's values. Ensure that all team activities are aligned to the company’s vision, values and key objectives
• Actively promote performance management, using appropriate people processes to ensure that the performance and behaviours are conducive to the achievement of the team’s delivery targets
• Ensure members of the team work collaboratively with other functions (as appropriate) to resolve problems and achieve objectives and high standards of performance
• Develop, maintain and lead a team of managers that effectively interfaces with the rest of the wider business to meet objectives
• Manage resource profiles, training and development plans and all associated budgets (direct and overhead)
• Provide safety leadership via the SHE management systems and visual management. Actively promote a safety focus and required improvement activity both for individuals and the team
• Ensure the delivery of the appropriate work area schedule by regularly reviewing, reporting on progress and resolving issues

Your skills and experiences

Essential

• Proven experience in a senior leadership role of comparable size and scope
• Background in operations and manufacturing, with an in‑depth understanding of associated conditions and a commitment to fostering a robust safety culture
• Demonstrated track record of successfully delivering complex projects
• Ability to build and leverage an extensive network, influencing stakeholders at all levels
• Experience in providing effective leadership and direction to teams

Desirable

• Degree‑level education or a leadership/management qualification
• Experience working within submarine programs
• Familiarity with the RIBA process and requirements management

Benefits

As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers employee share plans, an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts - you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.

The SSNA Infrastructure team

As the Principal Operations Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of SSNA production. Your responsibilities include leading the development of production requirements, managing a high‑performing team, and collaborating closely with key stakeholders across the business.

This is an exciting opportunity to oversee a team that is driving the creation of a brand‑new production line an initiative that will redefine how SSNA operates. You’ll be at the forefront of transforming business processes and setting new standards for operational excellence.

The role is ideal for someone with good influencing skills, as you will build and maintain strategic relationships at senior management level with customers, suppliers, and external authorities. Your ability to foster these connections will be critical in supporting day‑to‑day operations and ensuring the long‑term growth and success of the operations unit. We offer relocation support packages across all Submarines roles, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.

Why BAE Systems?

This is a place where you’ll be able to make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date

18th December 2025

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.