Operations Manager - R&D

Bedford
7 months ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Operations Assembly, Integration and Test Manager

Delivery Operations Manager

Boatyard Operative

Quality Inspector (FTC)

Transmission Controller (Master Control Operator)

Engineering Manager Aviation & Robotics

Operations Manager – R&D – Bedford – Salary £60k - £70k + Benefits
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. Salary: circa £60k - £70k + benefits
Vacancy Location: Bedford
  
For more about this opportunity please contact Adam Mayne ((url removed))

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Jobs

How to Write a Space Industry Job Ad That Attracts the Right People

The UK space sector is growing rapidly. From satellite manufacturing and launch services to Earth observation, space data, communications and downstream applications, organisations across the UK are hiring engineers, scientists, software specialists and operations professionals to support increasingly complex space missions. Yet many employers struggle to attract the right candidates. Space industry job adverts often receive very few applications, or attract candidates whose experience does not align with the realities of space programmes. At the same time, experienced space professionals frequently ignore adverts that feel vague, over-ambitious or disconnected from how space projects actually operate. In most cases, the issue is not a lack of talent — it is the clarity and quality of the job advert. Space professionals are systems-focused, risk-aware and highly selective. A poorly written job ad signals weak programme maturity and unrealistic expectations. A clear, well-written one signals credibility, technical seriousness and long-term intent. This guide explains how to write a space industry job ad that attracts the right people, improves applicant quality and positions your organisation as a credible employer in the UK space sector.

Education Jobs

Maths for Space Jobs: The Only Topics You Actually Need (& How to Learn Them)

UK space careers can look intimidating from the outside. Job adverts mention “systems engineering” “mission assurance” “GN&C” “RF” “payloads” “flight dynamics” “verification” “ECSS” & suddenly you’re wondering if you need a maths degree just to apply. You don’t. For most UK space jobs, the maths you actually use clusters into a handful of practical topics that map directly to real work across satellites, launch, ground segment, downstream data, mission ops & space software. This article strips it down to what matters most for job readiness plus a 6-week learning plan, portfolio projects & a resources section you can use immediately. UK space is also actively focused on growth & skills. The government’s National Space Strategy sets ambitions to grow the UK’s space ecosystem & spread employment across the UK. The Space Sector Skills Survey 2023 highlights recruitment challenges plus the importance of new skills & technologies including AI & ML. Recent industry reporting also estimates UK space industry employment at 55,550 FTEs plus wider supply-chain jobs. So learning the right maths is not an academic exercise. It’s a practical way to widen the roles you can credibly target.

Jobs

Neurodiversity in UK Space Careers: Turning Different Thinking into a Superpower

The UK space sector has quietly become one of the most exciting places to build a career. From small satellites & launch services to Earth observation, navigation, in-orbit servicing & space data startups, the industry needs people who can solve hard problems in smart ways. Those people are not all “typical” engineers or scientists – and that’s a strength, not a weakness. If you live with ADHD, autism or dyslexia, you may have been told your brain is “too distracted”, “too literal” or “too disorganised” for precision work in the space sector. In reality, many of the traits that made school or previous jobs difficult can be major assets in space engineering, mission operations & space data roles. This guide is written for neurodivergent job seekers exploring UK space careers. We’ll look at: What neurodiversity means in a space industry context How ADHD, autism & dyslexia strengths map to common space roles Practical workplace adjustments you can request under UK law How to talk about neurodivergence in applications & interviews By the end, you’ll have a clearer sense of where you might thrive in the UK space sector – & how to turn “different thinking” into a genuine superpower.

🍪 We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience on our website. By continuing to use this site, you consent to the use of cookies as described in our Cookie Policy. You can review our Cookie Policy for more information.