Job description for Operations Manager

Come and join us at Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) as an Operations Manager.

As an Operations Manager you’ll work closely with industry and internal teams and be accountable for managing delivery, planning, and providing the required support. You’ll have considerable opportunity and responsibility, whilst demonstrating you are a proactive leader with a delivery focused approach. You’ll possess a continuous improvement mindset, and you’ll interpret and utilise management information and data to provide valuable business insights. You’ll encourage a culture of learning from experience, imaginative thinking and expanding mindsets, all in the pursuit of improved quality.

The role is based in our offices at RAF Coningsby and we champion flexible ways of working. Regular in-person attendance is required for 60% of your working week to promote the benefits of face-to-face collaboration, alongside flexibility of hours to support work-life balance. Initially, you may be expected to attend more frequently to familiarise yourselves with the site, the team, and your role. Please note that travel to alternative sites may also be required dependent on organisational requirements.

What you’ll be doing

• Leads the team in the delivery of support for in-service capability within area of responsibility, according to the customer requirements, delivery plan, support solution, KPIs, and subsequent governance and reporting requirements.
• Implements appropriate governance arrangements for the delivery of the service, aligned with DE&S, Contract and Customer requirements.
• Monitors service delivery progress and delivery against customer KPIs utilising Management Information, reporting monthly through reporting drumbeat. Interprets data to identify trends, risks and issues, and continuous improvement opportunities.
• Responsible for contract management activities including liaising with suppliers, monitoring and controlling performance against contractual obligations and agreed KPIs, Government Furnished Assets (GFA) management, and coordinates the drafting, tender process and assessment of tenders.
• Leads the development of delivery plans, delivery approaches and procurement strategies. Coordinates resource and cost forecasting and has oversight of Inventory Demand and Supply Planning.
• Manages resource, monitors actual spend and updates forecasts accordingly to ensure the integrated support meets customer requirements within budget.
• Responsible for ensuring the most cost-effective and efficient means of delivery, whilst mitigating risk and leveraging opportunities. Leads on risk management activities, accurately assessing impact and likelihood, developing risk responses as well as prioritising, monitoring, reporting and escalating risks as necessary. Manages assumptions and dependencies, effectively communicating changes with stakeholders.
• Leads the development of business cases, and manages assurance, endorsement and approvals through the appropriate channels.

Person specification

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

• Previous experience in an Operations Management role or associated discipline (Project Management, Supply Chain, Engineering, Business Management, Through Life Support), in a delivery environment.
• Evidence of continuous improvement.
• Experience of relationship management with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven ability of managing contracts and suppliers.
• Experience in managing budgets, including approvals, monitoring actual spend and updating forecasts.

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

• Contract Management (Practitioner)
• Continuous Improvement for Optimised Support (Practitioner)
• Leadership (CSBC 3)
• Changing and Improving (CSBC 3)

 Offered Benefits

• 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

• Civil Service Recruitment Principles: Recruitment Principles – Civil Service Commission
• Candidate Information Pack: https://bit.ly/DES-Candidate-Information-Pack
• Terms and Conditions: https://bit.ly/DES-Terms-and-Conditions
• Civil Service Code: The Code – Civil Service Commission

Any personal data that you provide during the Recruitment process will be treated in accordance with the MOD Privacy Notice which can be accessed here.

Please note as a Disability Confident Leader we want to ensure you receive any reasonable adjustments that you need throughout the recruitment process. If you do require any reasonable adjustments, you can let us know on your online application under the section ‘Please indicate and give details of any reasonable adjustments you may require during the recruitment process.

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 writing for best chance of success.
3. Interview – If you’re invited to interview, you’ll be assessed against the Sift categories (CV Review) listed above, as well as the Technical Competences and Behaviours listed in the Person Specification section of this advert. 

Please Note: In the event of a tied score at interview, the Order of Merit will be distinguished based on the relative importance of the assessed competencies as per the hierarchy below:

• 1st: Core Behaviour 1
• 2nd: Core Behaviour 1
• 3rd: Technical Competencies
• 4th: CV Review

In the event of a further tie using the method above, we reserve the right to utilise an additional assessment.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview.

Offering at a lower level

If you’re not successful at interview, we may offer you a role at a lower level if this is a match for your skills and experience. If this applies to your application, you’ll be scored against criteria for the lower-level role and offers will be made in merit order. If you accept this position, you’ll be able to take advantage of opportunities to develop your career as part of our team.

If you feel that your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance you should contact department via email: DESHR-WSC-PMOCOMPLAINTS@mod.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Recruitment Complaints – Civil Service Commission