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