Head of Solution Development

SECURITY CLEARANCE: Eligibility to gain UK DV Security Clearance

TRAVEL REQUIRED: Frequent travel within UK and some international

LOCATION: Chippenham - (Stevenage or Portsmouth are possible alternatives)

Leading a team of circa 20 people, you will be a member of the Space Digital UK senior leadership team, responsible for leading the team that is responsible for pulling together solutions for major bids and once won supporting with Project Management, Engineering and other functions into delivery. You will work in close collaboration with the Sales and Bids functions, portfolio pillars, Engineering, Commercial, Finance and the wider business to achieve the Operating Plan and manage risks and opportunities.

To that end, it is key that you understand our customers and our business needs and have the experience, flexibility and initiative to balance risk and opportunity to ensure the best outcomes for both. You will have extensive experience of knowing how to position for large scale complex bids to win, including judging which options to focus on to win against the competition in the specific bid, how to write responses to questions to gain maximum points and ultimately what makes a winning bid against the competition in the specific bid. Alongside sales you may be involved with shaping customer requirements through early engagement with customers both directly and indirectly.

The role will be expected to take accountability, influence and deliver timely results for your defined area of business. You will be clear on how your role and team adds value. In line with the Airbus leadership model, you will display authentic leadership behaviours that inspire; creating clear expectations, giving purpose and promoting collaboration and coherence across our bid teams, engineers, partners and supporting functions.

What’s In It For You

• Financial Reward: Competitive salary, annual profit share, contributory pension, share options, car leasing scheme, free onsite parking, season ticket loan, tax-free technology scheme, discounted shopping and much more
• Work / Life Balance: 37 hour week, flexible working around core hours and Friday afternoons off, hybrid working, up to 2 additional days per month as TOIL, option to buy/sell holiday
• Personal Development: Personalised development plan, Airbus Leadership University and unlimited access to 10,000+ E-learning courses, internal mobility including international opportunities
• Health & Wellbeing: Wellbeing benefits (including 24/7 online GP and mental health support), Employee Assistance Programme, discounted family health/dental insurance/eye tests, cycle-to-work scheme, on-site canteen and coffee shop, lunchtime pilates (PORTSMOUTH ONLY)
• Family and Caregiving: Life assurance, enhanced pay for maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave and caregiving
• Inclusive Environment: Wellbeing room, Multi-faith room, Employee Representative Groups (Gender, LGBTQ+, International, Generational, Disability, Social & Cultural Diversity, Neurodiversity)

Our world is changing. And so are we. From our commitment to zero-carbon flight (#ZEROe) to cleaning up space, sustainability is at the heart of our purpose.

This role is to provide leadership in winning new business and is accountable for leading, motivating and engaging the Solutions Development function, with the mission to deliver compliant, competitive and coherent end-to-end solutions for Space Digital UK bids.

How You Will Contribute To The Team

In line with the Airbus leadership model, manage direct team(s). Engage, develop and motivate the direct team(s), within Airbus Values using the HR processes & development tools. Build a trustful and inclusive environment, promoting collaboration, facts driven decisions and an out of silos mindset. Ensure deliverables on time, cost and quality to ensure Customer Satisfaction; escalate risks and opportunities. Encourage innovation and continuous improvement by detecting and eliminating non added-value activities. Secure the business at short/mid/long term, contributing to increase Airbus profitability.

Your Skills:

• Managing a bid process - Leading Major bids within a competitive environment
• Knowledge of the Defence sector
• Knowledge of the Space sector is desirable
• People management
• Commercial Acumen

Not a 100% match? No worries! Airbus supports your personal growth with customised development solutions.

How We Can Support You

Many of our staff work flexibly in many different ways, including part-time. Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you need and we’ll always do our best to accommodate your request.

Please let us know if you need us to make any adjustments for the selection process - you can share this with your Talent Acquisition Partner if you are invited to interview. Examples may include (but not exclusive to) accessible facilities; auxiliary aids; room layout, etc. Any information disclosed will be treated in the strictest confidence.

As a Disability Confident Employer, Airbus UK will offer an interview to any applicant that considers themselves to have a disability or long-term condition and meets the minimum criteria of the role (as set out in the job advert). To ‘opt in’, just select the option during your application submission and our Talent Acquisition team will contact you.

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief. Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported.