Operations Manager

Our client is an ambitious aerospace organisation specialising in autonomous UAV and drone operations. They are seeking an Operations Manager to lead safe, efficient and consistent service delivery across customer sites nationwide. This permanent role will involve office, field and home-based working, with regular UK travel required.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the day-to-day delivery of UAV and Drone-in-a-Box services across multiple customer sites
Coordinate people, equipment, vehicles and technical resources to ensure safe, efficient and timely operations
Translate customer requirements into practical operational plans alongside commercial, technical and account-management teams
Manage schedules, priorities and capacity across multiple customers, sites and programmes
Ensure operations comply with company procedures, aviation regulations, safety requirements and customer standards
Monitor service levels, key performance indicators, budgets and milestones, taking corrective action where required
Identify operational risks and dependencies, implement mitigations, and manage incidents through investigation and resolution
Lead the mobilisation of new contracts and operational programmes while improving processes to support scalable service delivery

Job Requirements:

A strong background in operations management, service delivery, project delivery or a similar operational leadership role
Experience leading people, resources and concurrent operations in field-based or technically complex environments
Excellent planning and organisational skills, with the ability to balance changing priorities and deadlines
A clear commitment to safety and experience working within regulated environments and established procedures
Commercial awareness, including budgets, resource utilisation, contract performance and profitability
Confident leadership and stakeholder-management skills, with clear communication at all levels
Strong problem-solving abilities, with the confidence to identify risks early and implement practical solutions
Experience using data, service levels and key performance indicators to monitor performance and drive improvement

Desirable Experience:

Experience within the water sector, utilities, infrastructure, aviation or another regulated operational environment
Understanding of water-company sites, contractor environments and customer operational requirements
Working knowledge of aviation operations, UAVs or remotely operated systems
Familiarity with Drone-in-a-Box technology, autonomous systems, geospatial technology, IoT, artificial intelligence or data analytics
Experience using scheduling, resource-planning or operational performance platforms
Familiarity with quality, safety or continuous-improvement frameworks, including ISO, audit, assurance or incident-review processes
A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel regularly for customer, site and internal meetings

Benefits:

Company pension and benefits package
Flexible or hybrid working arrangements
Opportunities for professional development and career progression
The opportunity to contribute to projects supporting the resilience and sustainability of critical infrastructure
The chance to help shape and scale innovative autonomous UAV operations
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Operations Manager to lead high-performing teams, strengthen service delivery and support the growth of innovative aerospace and drone operations. Apply now to take the next step in this exciting permanent opportunity. Please respond in the fdirst instance with your Cv stating rate expectation
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed