Head of Complex Weapons, DE&S Abbey Wood, England
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Job summary
Head of Complex Weapons Delivery is one of the most demanding 1* roles in the Weapons Operating Centre, and indeed DE&S, leading the acquisition and in-service support of some of the UK’s most sensitive and battle winning capabilities. The role leads a diverse team of civil servants, military personnel and contractors. All work closely with the front-line commands, MOD Strategic Programmes, International Partners (notably France and Italy), together with Industry on some of the most challenging programmes in defence. The team ensures not only the weapons’ delivery but also working with others to integrate into the wider military system, both in terms of platforms but also defence’s systems of systems.
Complex Weapons are generally any munitions with guidance and propulsion systems, such as guided missiles that are capable of carrying out demanding tasks in challenging environments. Complex Weapons are required to be highly precise, only engaging the target and nothing else, in a very complicated environment.
At DE&S we are passionate about providing safe, on time support to the UK Armed Forces, and we are looking for an inspirational leader who is capable of delivering high performance, promoting best practice and improving the diversity of our workforce and ensuring we have a culture of inclusivity. You will be comfortable with a high level of autonomy, but also of operating in a transparent manner providing timely, complete and relevant management information in meeting targets.
Complex Weapons Programme Delivery comprises over 250 dedicated people, the programme has six delivery teams:
- Air to Air Missiles
- Light & Medium Attack Systems
- Long Range Precision Strike
- Maritime Air Warfare
- Short Range Air Defence
- Complex Weapons Rationalised Support Programmes
Job description
As Complex Weapons Team Head you will be:
- Responsible for the contractual delivery of Complex Weapons (generally, missiles produced by either MBDA or Thales)
- The support of these weapons through life from Concept, Assessment, Demonstration, Manufacture, In Service and disposal
- Supporting allied partner nation procured missiles and the operation of Partnering arrangements with European Nations (France and Italy)
- Operating within an MBDA Portfolio arrangement of contracts
- Delivering to time and cost whilst managing the requirements of sovereignty and capability of complex weapons
- Delivering on the Complex Weapons future programmes and support strategies
- Management of the Team Complex Weapons, it’s people and working with customers to prioritise resources to meet operational needs
- Working closely with key stakeholders in front lines commands (Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force and Strategic Command) as well as MOD Strategic Programmes, Industry and International Partners
- Accountable for the delivery to time, cost and quality of defined complex weapons, in service support and in service upgrades as well as the appropriate safety management
Person specification
To be successful with your application, you'll need to be able to demonstrate the following essential criteria:
- Experience of successfully operating in a leadership role within a large and highly complex organisation.
- Substantial and demonstrable experience of successful customer and senior stakeholder engagement with an ability to understand the importance of partnering.
- Proven track record of delivering complex and demanding projects in Defence or technically demanding industries.
- Demonstrable skills in understanding of financial process and procedures, interpreting complex management information.
- Demonstrable evidence of a track record of being able to drive transparency, assimilate complex management information and provide timely, relevant and accurate information to stakeholders.
- A good level of commercial awareness.
- A demonstrable commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Desirable criteria:
- Handling major projects with ideally large budgets.
- MPLA or equivalent qualification of demonstrable professional experience .
Benefits
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
- You will be eligible to earn a non-pensionable, non-consolidated performance-related award. Currently, this is up to 30% for this role and is dependent upon personal and organisational performance, this may be subject to change.
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Selection process details
DE&S has appointed Veredus as an executive search firm for this appointment and they will manage the campaign.
This is an external competition open to candidates with a background in either the public or private sector.
To apply for this post, you will need to submit the following 6 documents, via the Veredus website – www.veredus.co.uk, quoting the reference number: 11597 - Head of Complex Weapons before COP Monday 20th March 2023.
- A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps.
- A Supporting Statement (around two pages) outlining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience match the requirements of the person specification.
- A completed Diversity Monitoring Form All monitoring data will be treated in the strictest confidence, will not be provided to the selection panel and will not affect your application in any way. If you do not wish to provide a declaration on any of the particular characteristics, you will have the option to select 'prefer not to say’.
- A completed Candidate Supporting Information Form
- A completed Disability Confident Scheme Form – if applicable
- A completed Conflict of Interest Form
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
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Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
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