Operations Manager (Integrated Portfolio Team (IPT) Operations Lead),
West Sussex – Hybrid / Flexible Working
Defence Manufacturing Environment
UK Security Clearance Required
About the Role:
We are recruiting for an experienced Operations Manager (Integrated Portfolio Team Operations Lead) to oversee and drive the day-to-day performance of key Integrated Portfolio Team (IPT) operations within a complex manufacturing environment.
This role is responsible for ensuring the smooth, efficient, and cost-effective execution of operational activity, acting as the bridge between IPT teams and manufacturing/delivery functions.
You will contribute to IPT strategy and lead its execution, ensuring that service levels, productivity, quality, safety, and cost targets are consistently achieved.
The role operates within a matrix organisation, requiring strong cross-functional leadership across Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality, and Industrialisation Engineering teams.
Key Responsibilities:
Operational Leadership:
- Lead daily operations to ensure consistent delivery of products
- Own demand and supply alignment across IPT operations
- Monitor KPIs and drive improvements in productivity, quality, and efficiency
- Ensure compliance with internal policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements
- Own make-or-buy decisions with input from Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Industrialisation teams
People & Team Leadership:
- Indirectly manage, coach, and develop operational teams in a matrix structure
- Oversee planning, scheduling, and resource requirements
- Promote a positive, safe, and accountable workplace culture
- Support performance reviews, coaching, and identification of training needs
- Work closely with Operational Excellence teams to support continuous improvement
Process & Continuous Improvement:
- Identify operational bottlenecks and implement workflow improvements
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean / Six Sigma methodologies
- Ensure SOPs and operational documentation are maintained and up to date
- Act as approval authority for Industrialisation Engineering reviews (DFM, DFA, DFL)
Financial & Resource Management:
- Manage operational costs and resource utilisation against budget
- Support forecasting and capacity planning activities
- Contribute to cost reduction initiatives through effective utilisation of people, equipment, and materials
- Develop capacity plans for IPT operations
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Support operational readiness for new product or service introduction
- Provide operational input to strategic planning activities
- Support customer engagement and collaboration where required
About You:
You will bring:
- Proven experience in matrix operations management within defence, manufacturing or similar highly regulated environments
- Strong understanding of operational processes, workflow optimisation, and performance management
- Experience with continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma)
- Strong capability in data analysis, KPI management, and reporting
- Experience using MRP/ERP systems
- Engineering or manufacturing background (degree or equivalent experience)
- Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
- A hands-on approach to managing operational teams
What’s on Offer:
- 37.5 hour working week
- Early Friday finishes
- Hybrid/flexible working arrangements
- 28 days annual leave + Christmas closure
- Pension scheme with matched contributions
- Wellbeing support and employee benefits platform
- Strong learning and development opportunities
UK Security Clearance:
Due to the nature of the role, candidates must be eligible for UK Security Clearance and able to provide evidence of UK residency history as required.
Apply Now:
If you have experience leading operations in a complex Defence manufacturing environment and enjoy driving performance across cost, quality, and delivery, we’d be interested in hearing from you.
Application deadline: Thursday 7th May