Operations Manager

Introduction

Saab UK is part of Scandinavia's largest defence company, bringing together the best of Swedish and British innovation. Saab offers world-leading solutions and services in defence, aviation, space, and civil security to keep people and society safe. Our UK presence has been growing at pace, meaning we can offer a wide range of opportunities for personal fulfilment and career growth. We currently employ over 500 people across eight sites in the UK, and our specialisations include software engineering, underwater robotics, radars, AI, and armed forces training.

As part of the global entity Saab AB, Saab UK combines the innovative spirit of a start-up with the resources and expertise of a larger corporation. Globally, Saab employs over 22,000 people, with operations on every continent. Our partnerships with UK customers and industry mean we are able to deliver innovative solutions to complex challenges, anticipating the threats of tomorrow. We invest 23% of our annual revenue into research and development, collaborating with a range of partners including industry and academia.

Saab is a company that offers our employees plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement. We embrace diversity and are committed to providing a workplace where individuals can thrive professionally, paving the way for future progression. We also recognise the need for a healthy work-life balance to ensure our staff have the chance to live a fulfilling life beyond the workplace.

What you will be a part of

Our Training and Simulation unit provides simulated training solutions to customers around the world. Our UK operation provides simulation support to enable realistic exercises in both open and urban terrain, from individual and combined arms at platoon level, to joint operations at brigade combat team level. As a total training provider, it is our objective to improve training performance and increase equipment availability.

The DFWES contract which Saab has held with the British Army in one form or another since 1994 is an integral part of collective and individual training. Supporting up to 200 exercises a year the Ops Team is responsible for the planning and delivery of Field Team and equipment support to all of them.

Job Purpose: To manage and coordinate equipment allocation across all sites, and provide logistic support for DFWES supported exercises. Responsible for training and development of Logistics and Training advisors.

Roles and responsibilities:

Operational delivery

• Manage the equipment allocation to all supported DFWES exercises.
• Provide training for new Logistics and Training Advisors and develop LTA knowledge across all simulation equipment.
• Liaise with the customer to coordinate DFWES exercise bookings, advising on equipment.
• Liaise with the Saab Support Managers to ensure smooth and efficient exercise support.
• Provide logistical support to exercises including arranging of freight and pre-deployment administration.
• Organisation of Deployment Ready Training, driver training and CONDO.
• Develop & Maintain DFWES Field Team Working Instructions and ensure Field Team adherence.
• Liaison with the Technical Support Lead on new equipment and obsceneness issues.
• Deploy as a Saab lead on exercises and fulfil roles in the Field teams as required.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of how the British Army trains.
• Support Capability Exploitation activity as required.
• Support marketing activity including demos, and presentations as required.
• Manage continual improvement and learning from experience.

Commercial/Financial

• Basic understanding of the MOD commercial processes and application of obligations with within the contract concerning equipment.
• Understanding contract mechanisms.
• Produce Operational Requirement documents to support pricing for extra contractual exercises.
• Attend DFWES progress meeting and report on trends.

Desired skills and experience

• Experience of Saab TES equipment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and formal communication.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in a management role.
• Driving Licence (B+E).