Join to apply for the Operations Director role at Callen-Lenz
2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Join to apply for the Operations Director role at Callen-Lenz
Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.
No Agencies
Operations Director
Vacancy Reference: 2025/CLA-338
Position: Full-time
Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK
Salary Range: £90k - £110k per annum depending on relevant experience
At Callen-Lenz, we are expanding the limits of what is possible. We specialise in crewed and uncrewed aircraft operations and technology, and having recently received investment into the business we are going through a period of rapid growth and development and are looking for key roles to assist with these changes. Callen-Lenz offers innovative and customer focused UAS solutions through our 4 key business strands; technical services, products, platforms and operational services. We are looking for individuals to help drive forward our expansion, placing you at forefront of UAS development in the UK.
Our Values
* Teamwork
* Commitment
* Initiative
* Creativity
* Agility
* Integrity
* Enjoyment
Why Work for Us
Based in the heart of rural Wiltshire, close to the Historic city of Salisbury you will join our rapidly growing, friendly and multi-disciplined team, working on a range of diverse and interesting projects, leading the way in this exciting field and witnessing the full lifecycle of our products. The Callen-Lenz team are passionate about what we do, and we are searching for individuals to grow with us as we expand into the aerospace industry.
Our benefits include:
* 25 days annual leave per year (plus bank holidays)
* Buy/Sell holiday policy up to 5 days either way
* Pension Scheme via Royal London
* Company contributed Share Incentive Plan.
* Green Car Scheme
* Life assurance scheme (6x basic salary) Income protection policy (75% of basic salary)
* Private Health Insurance via Vitality
* Private Dental insurance via Bupa
* Enhanced Maternity and paternity
* 1 Professional membership reimbursed per year
* 1 paid volunteering day per year
* Access to an independent financial advisor year round
* Training & development opportunities
About The Role
As Operations Director, you will be a key member of the senior leadership team at Callen Lenz, playing a pivotal role in shaping and delivering our operational excellence and supporting a high performing, people focused culture.
You will lead and drive the teams responsible for our day to day operations across Manufacturing, Health and Safety, Facilities, and Quality. Alongside managing these critical functions, you will define and execute the long term strategic direction to ensure these areas align with and enable the company’s broader goals.
This is a hands on leadership role, ideal for someone who thrives in both setting direction and getting involved directly to ensure smooth, efficient, and high quality operational delivery. You will work closely with senior colleagues across the business to build strong foundations that empower our people and scale our impact.
Responsibilities
* Contribute to the overall strategy and long-term goals of the company, working closely with the CEO and board of directors.
* Develop and implement an operational strategy that aligns with the company’s vision, while driving continuous improvement and operational efficiency across all functions.
* Lead and inspire a diverse team, fostering a high-performance culture that encourages innovation, teamwork, and employee development.
* Ensure all operational activities are aligned with company targets, driving performance improvements and influencing positive outcomes.
* Work closely with other members of the senior leadership team to build and maintain strong customer relationships, ensuring exceptional service delivery.
* Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimise cost control, meet schedule targets, and drive operational excellence.
* Ensure resource availability aligns with production schedules, implementing efficient processes to maximise productivity and minimise waste.
* Champion the creation and implementation of best practice manufacturing tools and techniques, maintaining consistent quality standards.
* Identify and mitigate risks while capitalising on opportunities to enhance operational outcomes.
* Take full P&L responsibility, overseeing financial control, budgeting, and project costing across all company projects.
* Provide technical and cost inputs to new business bids, facilitating successful outcomes.
* Ensure all operations are carried out in full compliance with ISO9001:2015 quality standards.
* Create and promote a safe working environment consistent with all applicable company and legislative requirements (e.g. COSHH, HASAW, HSE)
* Direct the maintenance of a safe and healthy working environment by eliminating hazards, training employees, and promoting safety awareness
* Health & Safety Coordination – regulations, communications, walk-rounds and actions
Qualifications
About You
A degree or equivalent in a relevant engineering/ manufacturing discipline is desirable.
Skills and competencies
Essential
* In-depth knowledge of emerging manufacturing technologies, market trends, and their application to operational strategies.
* Proven experience in an Executive-level or Head of Function role, with the authority to make strategic decisions that shape operational outcomes.
* Strong business acumen and strategic thinking capabilities, with a track record of analysing complex situations, identifying key opportunities, and using insights to drive decision-making.
* Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence both internal teams and external stakeholders effectively.
* Demonstrable experience in leading and supporting organisational change initiatives, driving results through innovation, continuous improvement, and team collaboration.
* Proven ability to build, lead, and inspire high-performing teams, fostering a culture of innovation, quality, and commitment to achieving goals.
* Expertise in high-value manufacturing processes, industry regulations, and quality management systems; computer literate with proficiency in industry-specific tools and systems.
* Experience in leading continuous improvement and change management initiatives to optimise on-time delivery and operational efficiency.
* Comprehensive experience in overseeing Health & Safety, Quality, and Facilities functions, ensuring compliance and operational effectiveness.
* Practical experience in composite manufacturing, including understanding of material-specific processes, technologies, and challenges inherent in composite materials.
* Demonstrated ability to act as an “agent for change,” driving transformational initiatives within the organisation.
Desirable
* Previous experience in an aerospace environment, with knowledge of aerospace-specific manufacturing processes, regulations, and standards.
Callen-Lenz is an equal opportunities employer, committed to building an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. It is essential that the successful candidate must, by the start of their employment have permission to work in the UK. Proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK will be required prior to commencement of employment.
Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks
Seniority level
* Seniority level
Executive
Employment type
* Employment type
Full-time
Job function
* Job function
Management and Manufacturing
* Industries
Aviation & Aerospace
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Callen-Lenz by 2x
Get notified about new Director of Operations jobs in Salisbury, England, United Kingdom.
Southampton, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago
Salisbury, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago
Winchester, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Southampton, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Winchester, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago
Interim Executive Director - Joint CEO: Remote
Southampton, England, United Kingdom 5 days ago
Bournemouth, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago
Marlborough, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Southampton, England, United Kingdom £120,000.00-£150,000.00 2 weeks ago
Southampton, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Southampton, England, United Kingdom £100,000.00-£100,000.00 2 weeks ago
Wiltshire, England, United Kingdom 2 days ago
Southampton, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Southampton, England, United Kingdom 4 days ago
Bournemouth, England, United Kingdom 1 day ago
Devizes, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Eastleigh, England, United Kingdom 5 days ago
Kent, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Program Manager – Global Equities Operations Transformation – Executive Director
Bournemouth, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Project Manager – Global Commercial Operations
Southampton, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Industrial Placement Student - Technical Support Coordinator
Chandler's Ford, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Tidworth, England, United Kingdom 5 days ago
Site Assistant - St Mark's Church of England Primary School
Southampton, England, United Kingdom 4 days ago
Marlborough, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago
Cleaning and Domestic Services Coordinator
Andover, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Bournemouth, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Chandler's Ford, England, United Kingdom 2 days ago
Southampton, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Southampton, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr