Job summary
The Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO) champions innovative research and experimentation to push the boundaries of performance for capability delivery. It specialises in high-risk, complex, and co-operative programmes that deliver novel capability to the front line. Its work de-risks entry into service of both physical equipment and data-centric capabilities and is carried out in concert with other parts of the RAF, UK Defence, Allies and Partners.
The AiX (Air Innovation and Experimentation) Group is based in Cody Technology Park in Farnborough and is one of 6 groups that make up the RCO. Its focus is Air Command and Control (Air C2) and Air Mission Data programmes/projects, critical to the future of Air C2 and the exploitation of the RAF’s platforms and information.
The AiX Group programme includes ~20 different highly complex projects (due to levels of uncertainty, technically complexity, dependency management and wide range of stakeholders).
This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.
Job description
As AiX Group Head you will be responsible for leading the programme management activities within the Group and for the successful delivery of the required outcomes, including the establishment of appropriate governance and assurance, monitoring progress, and managing risks and issues.
You will also hold the responsibility of Chief Engineer (attracting the MoD Digital Skills Allowance) for NEXUS, the Air C2 data platform.
Stakeholder engagement is critical, and you will engage with industry and international partners at 1*/SCS level, in particular with the USAF/DoD to help ensure coherence and interoperability with their Air Battle Management capability development.
You will be supported by a team of 14 personnel for which the post holds leadership and managerial responsibility.
Responsibilities:
- Leading the successful delivery of AiX projects; maintaining the overall integrity and coherence of programme and governance framework to support each project.
- Maintaining Group coherence with the RCO portfolio to ensure AiX activity aligns with 1*/SCS priorities and direction, the Air Cap Management Plan, wider Defence innovation, and other TLB activity.
- Managing programme and project risks and issues, regularly agreeing risk boundaries with sponsors and external stakeholders (1*/SCS and above) and ensuring mitigations are in place.
- Securing the necessary resources and directing the prioritisation/planning of projects to meet required outcomes.
- Identifying and managing stakeholder relationships across AIR, wider Defence and external (e.g. USAF) at G6/SCS/1* level.
- Acting as the focal point for, and leading engagement with, RAF Digital. Actively managing dependencies between all parties.
- Supervising all trials and experimentation activity ensuring regulatory standards and procedures are adhered to, including MoD standards and Air Command and Control procedures (set and agreed by both MoD and DoD).Leading, managing, mentoring,
- Leading and developing a diverse multi-disciplinary ‘whole-force’ group of 14 personnel consisting of Mil, CS, Dstl, contractors, and Industry embeds.
- Representing Hd RCO and deputising for Dep Hd RCO when required in their absence.
As Chief Engineer and lead technical architect for NEXUS, you will be responsible for:
- Design Responsibility of NEXUS.
- Engineering Delivery of NEXUS products and artefacts to the SRO (Senior Responsible Owner).
- Functional Governance of engineering efforts within the NEXUS portfolio.
