Job description for Operations Manager

As an Operations Manager, you will be at the heart of our mission, driving the delivery of in-service support with cutting-edge capabilities, equipment, and services to meet the critical needs of our armed forces. You will help coordinate a cross-functional team and engage with various stakeholders to ensure seamless, collaborative, integrated, and coordinated support throughout the lifecycle of our projects.

Your expertise in operational delivery, contract management and project coordination will be pivotal within a team that is focused on delivering state-of-the-art solutions. You will tackle challenges head-on, producing a variety of time-sensitive outputs while building strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders. With your proactive approach and a commitment to continuous improvement, you will leverage management data to generate valuable insights that drive our overall performance.

You will primarily focus on the Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) aspect, managing items that include Rolls Royce Power and Propulsion, Combat Systems elements, and crucial US-supplied items to a range of surface and subsurface platforms which will include support to the Dreadnought Programme.

At SDA, we are committed to your professional growth, offering a wealth of training and development opportunities to help you build a rewarding career with us. You will immerse yourself in a vibrant community that champions learning, innovation, and quality, connecting with like-minded individuals, exchanging ideas, and celebrating diversity through our extensive range of staff networks.

Regular in-person attendance will be required for a minimum of four days per week to promote the benefits of face-to-face collaboration, alongside flexible hours to support work-life balance. Initially, you may be expected to attend more frequently to familiarise yourself with the site, the team, and your role.

This role is reserved for Sole UK Nationals only due to security requirements.

Join us and be part of a journey where your actions directly support the success of military operations, and your career growth is a priority.

What you’ll be doing

• Utilising Management Information to develop data driven analysis used to identify trends, risks and issues, continuous improvement opportunities and improve performance from Industrial Partners.
• Monitoring and controlling supplier delivery and performance, monitoring key performance indicators in terms of the quality, timeliness and reliability of goods or services, taking appropriate action where these requirements are not being met.
• Ensuring compliance is in line with all Defence/Enterprise standards.
• Supervising resources, monitoring actual spend and updating forecasts within the agreed budget.
• Supporting the delivery of projects and leading in-service support for equipment used by the armed forces.
• Preparation and or Involvement at key meetings to support the dept. functions.
• Involvement in GFE activities including – Collation and maintenance of internal GFE records to include database maintenance and updates.
• Supplier liaison on all GFE related matters, to include organising and chairing face to face meetings in line with governance and contract.

Person specification

To be successful with your application, you’ll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Experience working within at least one of the following fields: Operations Management, Project Management, Engineering, Through Life Support.
• Evidence of leading a team.
• Ability to manage contract delivery and budgets including monitoring actual spend and updating forecasts accordingly.
• Experience of coordinating a cross functional team and other stakeholders to deliver goods or services.
• Demonstrable organisational, influencing and communication skills.

In addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competences and behaviours will be assessed at interview:

• Stakeholder Management – Practitioner level
• Continuous improvement for optimised support – Practitioner level
• Leadership – CSBC3
• Making effective decisions – CSBC3

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £43,700, Ministry of Defence contributes £12,659 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• 25 days’ annual leave +1 day a year up to 30 days, 8 bank holidays and a day off for the King’s birthday
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Market-leading average employer pension contribution of 28.97%
• Annual performance-based bonus and recognition awards
• Access to specialist training and funded qualifications
• Support for progression
• Huge range of discounts
• Volunteering days
• Enhanced parental leave schemes

Improving innovation and enriching our culture, diversity of thought is vital to our success. So whether you’re looking for a new opportunity, a next step, or a helping hand as you return from a career break, bring your experiences and help deliver for the defence of tomorrow. Here you’ll find a supportive, family-friendly organisation to be a part of – and if you need any assistance with your application, just let us know.

Further Information

• Candidate Information Pack: http://bit.ly/SDA–Candidate-Information-Pack
• Terms and Conditions: https://bit.ly/DES-SDA-Terms-and-Conditions

Selection process details

Your application will go through the following stages of assessment:

1. Pre-sift – We will check that you meet any essential or eligibility criteria that are listed in the Person Specification section of this advert. On your CV, please clearly show how you meet the essential criteria.
2. Sift – Your CV will be assessed against the following categories, using a simple numerical scoring system: Key Achievements; Relevant Experience; Applied Knowledge and Skills. Please follow our guidance on CV writingfor best chance of success.
3. Interview – If you’re invited to interview, you’ll be assessed against the Sift categories listed above, as well as the Technical Competences and Behaviours listed in the Person Specification section of this advert.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.