Assistant Operations Manager

Job Description

Operations Manager - Safeguard Armour

Safeguard Armour , a leading innovator in tactical equipment and clothing, seeks a dutiful and results-oriented

Assitant Operations Manager

to spearhead operational excellence across all departments. This role will support all departments and enable us to achieve orgenisational goals. We are a small team of 25 people looking for a capable operations manager to help stablise and diligently bring us towards success.

About Safeguard Armour:

Safeguard Armour is a rapidly growing company renowned for its high-quality tactical gear trusted by professionals worldwide. We offer a diverse product line, distribute to a network of partners across 50 countries, and fulfill contracts with government agencies like police, special forces, military, and navy.

Our revenue is £7million looking to grow to £20-30m over the next 2 years, so plenty of oppurtunity to grow with the company.

You should be ambitious, diligent, organised, good with processes and commercially aware.

This role involves cross collaboration with multiple teams, a high verbal and written skill of British-English langugae is required. Ideally you are local to Leeds or can relocate.

The Role:

In this pivotal role, you will become the architect of Safeguard Armour's operational efficiency and commercial effectiveness. You will oversee a team of Account Managers, guide marketing efforts, champion tender victories, and collaborate extensively with all departments (Sales, Marketing, Product Development, Quality Control, Supply Chain, Logistics) to streamline processes, optimize resources, and drive profitable growth.

Responsibilities:

Sales & Channel Management:

Develop and implement comprehensive sales strategies for distributor channels and government tenders.
Oversee a team of Account Managers, providing coaching, mentorship, and ensuring they meet ambitious sales targets.
Identify and qualify new sales leads within target markets across 50 countries.
Partner with the marketing team to develop compelling sales presentations and marketing materials.
Collaborate with the logistics team to ensure on-time and cost-effective fulfillment for distributors and government clients.

Tender Management Expertise:

Lead the tender management process, overseeing the development of winning bids that showcase Safeguard Armour's capabilities for police, special forces, military, and navy needs.
Partner with internal teams (engineering, production, quality control) to gather and present technical data that meets strict government tender requirements.
Manage timelines, budgets, and resources for all tender submissions, ensuring adherence to deadlines and compliance regulations.
Analyze tender results to identify areas for improvement in future bids.

Marketing & Product Development Alignment:

Develop and execute targeted marketing campaigns (digital, content, trade shows) that reach distributors and government agencies, aligning with overall sales and tender strategy.
Partner with the product development team to translate customer and tender requirements into product specifications that meet market needs and tender compliance.
Analyze market research and sales data to identify trends and opportunities, guiding product development priorities.

Operational Excellence & Quality Control:

Implement and maintain efficient operational processes across all departments, fostering smooth collaboration and eliminating bottlenecks.
Oversee quality control procedures, ensuring products meet the stringent quality standards demanded by distributors and government agencies.
Work with the supply chain team to ensure production capacity aligns with customer demand for sales and tenders, optimizing production processes and inventory management.
Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track operational efficiency and identify areas for improvement.

Commercial Strategy & Analytics:

Develop and implement a comprehensive commercial strategy encompassing distributors, government tenders, and export markets.
Set and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress towards overall sales, marketing, and operational goals.
Analyze market research, sales data, and operational metrics to identify trends and opportunities for growth.
Prepare reports and manage budgets for various departments, ensuring financial accountability and resource optimization.

Qualifications:

Minimum 2-3 years of experience in a manufacturing or B2B sales environment with a proven track record of leading operational efficiency and achieving commercial success.
Experience in government procurement processes is a strong plus.
Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to motivate, coach, and inspire teams across departments.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively at all levels within an organization.
Experience in project management and process improvement methodologies.
Proficiency in CRM software, Microsoft Office Suite, and relevant industry-specific software applications.
Fluency in English and additional languages relevant to target markets (a plus).

Benefits:

Safeguard Armour offers a competitive compensation package with attractive benefits, including the opportunity to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment with a growing company. You will have the chance to make a real difference in Safeguard Armour's continued success by leading a team and streamlining operations for superior commercial results.

To Apply:

If you are a highly motivated and results-oriented leader with a passion for operational excellence and commercial success, we encourage you to apply! Please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your suitability for this exciting role.