Operations Manager - R&D

🔒 Confidential Employer
Posted 21 March 2026
LOCATION
Bedford
TYPE
Full-time
LEVEL
Mid-Senior level
SALARY
£70,000 / year
CATEGORY
Manufacturing
This employer holds a UK Home Office sponsor license — sponsorship for this specific role is at the employer’s discretion

SKILLS

Project Planning People Management RAMS Best Practice Operating Procedures Problem Solving Engineering

FULL DESCRIPTION

Operations Manager - R&D

We have a fantastic new opportunity for an Operations Manager to join an industry leading Bedford-based Aerospace R&D company. You will be an integral member of the management team, focused on operations within the Aerodynamics R&D team, helping to improve the efficiency, quality, safety and capability of the operations.

Responsibilities of Operations Manager include:

  • Provide project planning and oversee the aerodynamics R&D activities, including test and model development across the site ensuring all operation objectives are met.
  • Set up schedules for the standard maintenance of equipment within the control of Aerodynamic Operations, including mechanical rigs and electrical test equipment.
  • People management, including conducting personal development reviews and forming progression plans, building a skills matrix and developing a culture of proactivity, accountability and continuous improvement.
  • Take ownership of Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, and Safety. (RAMS) operating procedures associated with Aerodynamic Operations.
  • Develop and document best practice operating procedures, introduce and optimise working practices to improve quality, reduce time and material wastage within development.

This role requires candidates to be able to gain UK Security Clearance.

Requirements – Operations Manager:

  • Recent and relevant experience working as a manager overseeing operations within R&D, ideally within aerospace, defence, automotive (systems development and/or test) but certainly not a prerequisite.
  • Proven people management skills.
  • Skilled in implementing best practice operating procedures.
  • Autonomous, proactive and a good problem solver with the ability to prioritise tasks.
  • Degree in Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Aviation, Electronics, Physics beneficial.

For more about this opportunity please contact Adam Mayne ([contact hidden])

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