Operations Director

Job Title:  Operations Director - Vehicle Systems, Services & Spares (VSSS)
Job Reports To: Managing Director and Senior Vice President VSSS
Department: VSSS
Location:  Coventry, UK
Core Hours:  08:00-16:35 (Mon – Thu) 08:00-15:10 (Fri)
Vacancy Type:  Permanent, full time and based on-site.
Salary: Base salary in excess of £90,000pa plus Car Allowance & Discretionary Bonuses

THE ROLE

As the Operations Director for NP Aerospace’s Vehicle Systems, Services & Spares (VSSS) Business Unit, you will be instrumental in shaping the future of our organisation.

With overall responsibility for directing and overseeing all projects and programmes, you will play a pivotal role in driving performance, efficiency, and growth.

This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact, lead a talented team, and contribute to the continued success of NP Aerospace

The VSSS Business Unit provides support for the global expansion of NP Aerospace military vehicle engineering and technical services operation. VSSS specialises in complete vehicle integration and support solutions, including the Protected Mobility Engineering Technical Support (PMETS) contract which places NP Aerospace as engineering authority for the UK Ministry of Defence protected mobility fleet. The VSSS team has over 25 years of experience leading complex military vehicle integrations and has supported over 2,000 vehicle platforms.

You will predominately be based in Coventry; however, you will need to visit customers and other stakeholders on a regular basis, both within the UK and internationally. 

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

We are in search of an experienced individual who can:

• Be responsible for directing and providing oversight for the successful delivery of all projects and programmes for VSSS.
• Devise effective plans and processes to ensure the realisation of project outcomes and programme benefits.
• Maintain oversight of overall programme resource requirements, working with the Executive to ensure recruitment/subcontract/procurement action is implemented in a timely fashion.
• Grow and deliver the customer-facing support functions including spares, aftermarket customer services and warranty implementation aligned with product distribution.
• Ensure that internal governance and control via P3M and other internal and external management processes is embedded within all VSSS activities.
• Implement and monitor programme and project performance metrics, reporting into Executive management.
• Ensure that the organisation executes it’s long and short-term plans, and directives by implementing judgement, vision, management, and leadership.
• Lead a team of high-performing professionals and operational managers to be efficient, productive, and effective, whilst ensuring delivery of world class products and services to our customers.

The role is both inward and customer facing, utilising your knowledge and experience to be the focal point for the conversion of opportunities into programmes and projects, and the management of programme and project delivery therein and relevant operational areas. You will work closely with VSSS management team and the Executive to undertake strategic planning, and ensure the organisation has absolute oversight of both the existing delivery requirements and the future pipeline of opportunities.

Limited hybrid working (subject to manager approval) 

Flexible start and finish working hours (subject to manager approval) 

Holidays – 25 days + 8 Bank Holidays + Holiday Purchase Scheme

Two weeks paid leave for Reservists and Cadets to attend yearly training/camp.

Paid leave for employees who are Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs)

Pension – ER/EE – 3%/5% = 8% combined

Please note: Successful candidates will be required to sign the Official Secrets Act and pass necessary checks before employment.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Deliver project and programmes to meet all strategic aims, to time, cost, and quality metrics.
• Design and implement programme governance, plans, and procedures.
• Set comprehensive goals for performance and growth.
• Lead employees to encourage maximum performance and dedication.
• Support the development of team members via mentoring, coaching, and the identification of training requirements.
• Evaluate performance by analysing and interpreting data and metrics.
• Maintain and build trusted relationships with key customers, clients, partners, and stakeholders.
• Motivate staff to meet or surpass organisational and delivery targets.
• Coordinate with the human resources department to recruit skilled talent when required.
• Oversee the mitigation of programme risks, and the transfer of ownership of corporate risk arising from programme implementation.

The above statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required.

CRITICAL OUTPUTS AND ACHIEVEMENT REQUIRED

• Deliver programmes and projects to time, cost, and quality requirements.
• Regularly report on the recruitment and resource needs for the organisation to ensure delivery of all projects.
• Ensure all internal and external audits are undertaken and delivered to plan.
• Consider all projects to ensure appropriate facilities are always available.

EXPERIENCE

• Demonstrable commitment to professional development.
• Leadership skills, demonstrating resolve and personal integrity.
• Broad exposure to Defence contracting with thorough understanding of commercial terms and risk.
• Aptitude in decision-making and problem-solving.

WHAT DO WE DO AT NP AEROSPACE?

NP Aerospace is a global leader in armour technology manufacturing and vehicle integration, delivering high-performance, lifesaving solutions for the defence and security industry.

Our mission is to improve and protect lives , and our vision is to be a leading provider of innovative solutions that solve our customers' complex challenges. Our values - Respect, Collaboration, Integrity, and Dedication form the bedrock of our culture.

Our extensive range of combat-proven body armour, from ballistic helmets, plates, and shields to bomb disposal suits, highlights some of the most advanced composite materials. With a team of R&D engineers working on next-generation solutions, we also excel in highly engineered vehicle systems and armour platforms used by some of the world’s largest defence organisations.

Founded in 1926, NP Aerospace has served the defence industry for over 40 years, evolving into an agile and diverse company. Our Business Development team is expanding both in the UK and North America.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: NP Aerospace is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, colour, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We are also fully committed to supporting the Defence Community and actively advertise roles on Defence specific platforms such as CTP, Force Families, Forces Employment Charity, and Veterans Job Board.

Data Privacy: NP Aerospace respects the privacy of all applicants. Personal information provided during the application process will be treated in accordance with our privacy policy and applicable data protection laws.

Base salary in excess of £90,000pa plus Car Allowance & Discretionary Bonuses