Vacancy Reference: CLA-396
Position: Full-time
Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK
Salary Range: Dependant on 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
Innovation
Integrity
Collaboration
Excellence
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
We are seeking a highly dependable and discreet Site Operations Manager to establish, oversee, and evolve the business unit environment of a newly formed small site. This role ensures full compliance with wider business policies across commercial governance, health & safety, security, and fire protection. You will act as the business unit lead responsible for protecting staff, information, and infrastructure while enabling secure and efficient execution of technical R&D activity and operational deployments.
This position requires a strong security mindset, exceptional organisational discipline, and an ability to manage sensitive and classified activities with absolute discretion. You will drive site ethos and culture, establish compliant procedures, and ensure the site remains accredited, safe, and mission‑capable.
Responsibilities
Leadership and Management
Lead, manage, and develop the site management team, setting standards for safety, security, professionalism, and conduct.
Build, coordinate and evolve site‑wide procedures covering daily operations, access control, emergency response, facility security, and infrastructure usage.
Maintain high levels of discretion when supporting sensitive programmes and classified workstreams.
Ensure alignment with the organisation's wider operational and compliance frameworks.
Security & Accreditation Management
Act as the site's Security Controller, maintaining responsibility for secure handling of information, assets, and personnel vetting requirements.
Safeguard the site's accredited status through proactive compliance checks, clear documentation, and regular audits.
Manage access control systems, physical security measures, and security incident response.
Liaise with internal security teams and external authorities as required.
Health, Safety & Fire
Conduct fire risk assessments, ensure fire safety systems are maintained, and run regular drills and training.
Maintain comprehensive contingency plans and ensure the site is resilient to disruptions and emergencies.
Ensure all health & safety policies are applied, monitored, and improved through regular inspections and reporting.
Support safe execution of technical R&D testing, trials, and equipment usage.
Support to Technical & Operational Activity
Provide operational support to discrete R&D projects, deployments, and field activities where necessary.
Ensure facilities, equipment, and processes enable secure and efficient delivery of sensitive engineering and operational work.
Coordinate closely with technical teams to schedule and prepare site resources, including controlled areas and specialist facilities.
Stakeholder Collaboration
Engage with internal stakeholders across engineering, commercial, compliance, facilities and leadership teams.
About You
Skills and competencies
Strong experience operating or managing security‑accredited facilities within defence, government, emergency services, or similarly controlled environments.
Experience operating or managing security‑accredited facilities within defence, government, emergency services, or similarly controlled environments.
Strong background in site operations, security management, or mission‑critical environments.
Demonstrated experience working with discrete, sensitive, or classified projects.
Experience leading operational teams in fast‑paced or high‑security settings.
Competence in fire risk assessment, emergency planning, and incident management.
Qualified Security Controller.
Excellent communication skills, a high level of discretion, and an ability to influence safe and compliant behavior across a site.
Personal Attributes
Must be a British Citizen or have an existing right to work in the UK
Ability to commit to national and international travel
Eligibility to obtain UK security clearance up to DV level.
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 Callen-Lenz 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.