About STRAD
STRAD (Sanper Technical Research & Development) is the specialist product and innovation division of Sanper Group Holdings Ltd. Operating at the cutting edge of construction and engineering product development, STRAD is responsible for the research, design, manufacture, and delivery of proprietary solutions — most notably MOJ-approved window systems for the UK prison estate. STRAD works across the full product lifecycle, from concept and compliance through to installation and aftercare.
Role Purpose
Following a period of growth and a structural review of STRAD’s operations, we are seeking an Operations & Production Lead to take ownership of the day-to-day running of the division. This is a senior operational role that sits at the heart of STRAD, bridging enquiry management, production coordination, project delivery, and client liaison.
The role is designed to relieve the Technical Director of operational and administrative burden, allowing the division to scale. You will act as the primary point of contact across STRAD’s enquiry-to-delivery workflow, working closely with Simon Breeze to ensure every project moves from initial enquiry through to completed production and site delivery without friction.
Key Responsibilities
Enquiry & Business Development Support
- Manage the STRAD enquiry inbox and initial client contact, triaging and qualifying new enquiries.
- Coordinate with the Technical Director to develop proposals, quotations, and technical submissions.
- Maintain a live pipeline of active enquiries, prospects, and conversion stages.
- Support business development activity including preparation of presentations and client-facing documentation.
Production & Project Coordination
- Own the end-to-end coordination of STRAD product orders from order confirmation through to delivery.
- Schedule and manage site surveys, liaising with clients, site managers, and Sanper delivery teams.
- Maintain accurate production schedules, ensuring material procurement, lead times, and installation slots are aligned.
- Coordinate with supply chain partners and manufacturers to manage order flow and resolve production issues.
- Act as the operational interface between STRAD and Sanper’s construction and delivery divisions.
Client & Stakeholder Liaison
- Serve as the main operational contact for clients throughout the project lifecycle.
- Manage client communications regarding programme updates, delivery timelines, and technical queries.
- Attend client meetings, site visits, and product demonstrations where required.
- Escalate technical issues to the Technical Director with full context and documentation.
Quality & Compliance
- Oversee pre- and post-delivery quality control checks in line with STRAD standards.
- Maintain compliance documentation, product records, and regulatory certifications.
- Support testing and trial phases for new STRAD products, coordinating logistics and reporting outcomes.
- Ensure all STRAD activities comply with relevant MOJ, building, and safety regulations.
Financial & Administrative Oversight
- Support invoice preparation, purchase order tracking, and expense management for STRAD activities.
- Maintain accurate project cost records and flag any budget variances to the Technical Director.
- Prepare weekly operational reports covering pipeline status, active orders, and delivery performance.
- Contribute to monthly financial and KPI reporting for presentation to divisional and group leadership.
Team & Process Development
- Identify operational bottlenecks and implement process improvements to increase STRAD’s efficiency.
- Coordinate internal meetings, produce agendas and action logs, and follow up on agreed actions.
- Assist with resource planning as the STRAD product pipeline grows.
- Provide ad-hoc support during testing days, pilot rollouts, and key customer engagements.
Person Specification
Essential
- Proven experience in an operational, project coordination, or production management role, ideally within construction, engineering, or specialist manufacturing.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and priorities.
- Confident communicator — able to liaise professionally with clients, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
- Commercially aware with experience in cost tracking, invoice management, or financial reporting.
- Competent user of Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word).
- Self-starter with the ability to work autonomously in a small, fast-moving team.
Desirable
- Experience working in a regulated environment (MOJ, NHS, or similar).
- Background in product-based businesses involving manufacturing, procurement, or supply chain.
- Familiarity with project management tools or CRM/pipeline systems.
- Understanding of technical or construction product compliance requirements.
- Experience in a role that has grown or evolved from coordination into operational leadership.
What We Offer
- A pivotal, varied role with genuine scope to shape how STRAD operates as it scales.
- Direct working relationship with the Technical Director and exposure to the wider Sanper Group board.
- Opportunity to grow the role as STRAD’s product range and client base expands.
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- Based at our Hemel Hempstead office with flexibility for hybrid working where the role allows.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We believe that diversity makes us stronger and that everyone deserves to feel respected, valued and able to thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to a fair and inclusive recruitment process in line with the Equality Act 2010. We are happy to make reasonable adjustments to support applicants with disabilities at any stage.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV and a brief covering note outlining your relevant experience to:
[email protected]
Please reference ‘STRAD Operations & Production Lead’ in the subject line.
STRICTLY NO AGENCIES
Sanper Group Holdings Ltd is an equal opportunities employer.
Pay: £40,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
