Operations Manager

Operations Manager – Defence Technology

Location: Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire

Closing Date: 24 June 2025 | Interview Date: 4 July 2025

Full-time, Permanent | 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Salary: £48,039 – £57,797 per annum.

Lead Operations at a Unique Test & Evaluation Site

Our client, a respected organisation operating within the defence and security sector, is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead a high-profile test and evaluation site located on Salisbury Plain.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a proactive leader with deep expertise in Ordnance, Munitions and Explosives (OME) to oversee operations at a secure facility supporting the testing, research, and evaluation of energetic materials, munitions, and related technologies.

The Role

As Operations Manager, you will have full operational responsibility for the safe and effective delivery of testing activities, financial management of commercial projects (c.£2.5M per annum), and leadership of an experienced technical team. You will also be instrumental in growing the site’s customer base through effective client relationships and business development initiatives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Day-to-day leadership of site operations, facilities, and safety compliance.
• Management of staff, site security, technical documentation, and trials planning.
• Authorisation and oversight of test programmes, risk assessments, and operational plans.
• Financial management, including budgeting and monthly reporting.
• Acting as liaison with external authorities, industry partners, and internal departments.
• Supporting training, consultancy, and collaborative projects in the defence and security domain.

The Person

We are seeking a highly competent operations or trials manager with a strong background in OME and site-based leadership. You should be able to make confident decisions, demonstrate sound technical judgement, and inspire a high-performing team in a demanding environment.

Essential Requirements:

• Extensive experience in Ordnance, Munitions and Explosives (OME), ideally in a military or defence-related setting.
• Proven leadership of operational teams and facilities.
• Experience with financial and business management processes.
• Strong understanding of health, safety, and quality assurance procedures.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel.
• Ability to obtain SC (Security Check) clearance.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of ISO quality systems (e.g. ISO 9001).
• NEBOSH or similar Health & Safety qualification.
• Familiarity with MOD range safety procedures and defence sector customers.
• Experience acting as a Trials Conducting Officer or in a similar technical capacity.

Why Apply?

This role offers the chance to lead a strategically important site with an excellent reputation in the defence industry. You’ll be part of a specialist team delivering cutting-edge research, evaluation, and support to UK and international clients.

If you’re a confident and capable operations leader with a strong defence or OME background, we’d love to hear from you.

If you are interested in this opportunity and would like to discuss further, please do not hesitate to contact Dan Pyle at CMD Recruitment on 01380 738300 and email your CV to dan_pyle@cmdrecruitment.com