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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to develop winning solutions for major bids in the Space sector.
- Company: Join Airbus, a leader in aerospace innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible hours, hybrid work, and extensive personal development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative culture focused on innovation and making a real impact in space sustainability.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in leading major bid processes and strong people management skills required.
- Other info: Frequent travel within the UK and some international travel; eligibility for UK DV Security Clearance needed.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
SECURITY CLEARANCE: Eligibility to gain UK DV Security Clearance
TRAVEL REQUIRED: Frequent travel within UK and some international
LOCATION: Chippenham (alternatives: Stevenage or Portsmouth)
Leading a team of approximately 20 people, you will be part of the Space Digital UK senior leadership team. Your responsibilities include leading the team that develops solutions for major bids and supporting project management, engineering, and other functions during delivery. You will collaborate closely with Sales, Bids, Engineering, Commercial, Finance, and other business units to achieve operational goals, manage risks, and capitalize on opportunities.
It is essential that you understand customer needs and business objectives, and possess the experience, flexibility, and initiative to balance risks and opportunities for optimal outcomes. You should have extensive experience in positioning for large, complex bids, including strategic focus, response writing, and understanding what makes a winning bid. You may also engage with customers early to shape requirements.
The role requires accountability, influence, and timely delivery within your business area. You will demonstrate authentic leadership behaviours aligned with Airbus's leadership model, inspiring teams, setting clear expectations, fostering purpose, and promoting collaboration across bid teams, engineers, partners, and support functions.
What's in it for you:
- Financial Rewards: Competitive salary, profit sharing, pension, share options, car scheme, onsite parking, season ticket loan, tech schemes, shopping discounts, and more.
- Work/Life Balance: 37-hour week, flexible hours, hybrid work, additional TOIL days, holiday options.
- Personal Development: Custom development plans, Airbus Leadership University, extensive e-learning, international mobility.
- Health & Wellbeing: Online GP, mental health support, insurance, cycle-to-work, onsite amenities, lunchtime Pilates (Portsmouth).
- Family & Caregiving: Life insurance, enhanced parental leave benefits.
- Inclusive Environment: Wellbeing and multi-faith rooms, employee groups for diversity and inclusion.
Our world is changing, and so are we. From zero-carbon flight initiatives to space sustainability, sustainability is core to our purpose. Join us in making your next change. This role focuses on leadership in winning new business, managing, motivating, and engaging the Solutions Development team to deliver compliant and competitive solutions for Space Digital UK bids.
How you will contribute:
- Manage direct team(s) in line with Airbus leadership principles.
- Engage, develop, and motivate teams using HR processes and development tools.
- Foster a trustful, inclusive, collaborative environment that encourages fact-based decision-making.
- Ensure deliverables meet quality, cost, and time targets, escalating risks and opportunities as needed.
- Promote innovation and continuous improvement, eliminating non-value-adding activities.
- Secure short, mid, and long-term business growth, enhancing Airbus profitability.
Your skills:
- Experience leading major bid processes in competitive environments
- Knowledge of the Defence sector
- Knowledge of the Space sector (desirable)
- People management skills
- Commercial acumen
We support your personal growth with tailored development solutions, including flexible working arrangements. Please discuss any needs during the interview process. We are committed to diversity and inclusion, making reasonable adjustments for applicants with disabilities, and promoting equal opportunity employment. By applying, you consent to Airbus processing your data for recruitment purposes. We value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds, without asking for monetary contributions during recruitment. We support flexible working to foster innovation.
Head of Solution Development employer: AIRBUS Defence and Space Limited
Contact Detail:
AIRBUS Defence and Space Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Solution Development
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and challenges in the Defence and Space sectors. This knowledge will not only help you understand customer needs better but also demonstrate your commitment to the industry during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field, especially those who have experience with major bids. Engaging with them can provide insights into successful strategies and may even lead to valuable referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with Airbus's leadership principles. Be ready to share examples of how you've motivated teams and fostered collaboration in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Airbus's recent projects and initiatives, particularly in the Space Digital UK area. Being knowledgeable about their work will allow you to engage in meaningful conversations and show your genuine interest in the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Solution Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Solution Development position. Make sure you understand the responsibilities, required skills, and the company culture to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in leading major bid processes, particularly in competitive environments. Provide specific examples that demonstrate your commercial acumen and people management skills.
Showcase Leadership Qualities: Demonstrate your leadership abilities by sharing instances where you've motivated teams, fostered collaboration, and driven innovation. Align your examples with Airbus's leadership principles to show you're a good fit.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the role. Use keywords from the job description, such as 'strategic focus', 'risk management', and 'customer engagement' to make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at AIRBUS Defence and Space Limited
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the job description. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, such as leading a team and managing bids. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Solution Development, demonstrating your leadership abilities is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, motivated staff, and fostered collaboration in previous roles. Authentic leadership is key!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage risks. Think of specific scenarios where you've had to balance risks and opportunities, particularly in competitive environments. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Research the Company and Its Values
Familiarise yourself with Airbus's mission, values, and recent initiatives, especially around sustainability and innovation. Showing that you align with their goals and culture can set you apart from other candidates.
