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- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in the defence sector, shaping future technologies and strategies.
- Company: Join the National Composites Centre, a leader in defence innovation and technology development.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salaries, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while working in a collaborative and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management within defence or engineering is essential; diverse backgrounds encouraged.
- Other info: Open to flexible working arrangements; we value your unique perspective!
The predicted salary is between 57800 - 66400 £ per year.
National Composites Centre
Bristol based with hybrid working (2 days on site per week)
Salary: Competitive Salaries; Our average salaries for this role are £67,892 to £83,014, however open to discussion if your existing salary is above this range.
Security Clearance: You may be required to undertake government security clearance if successful. No existing clearance required.
Closing Date: 22nd July 2025 – applications may be reviewed during the advertising period.
Purpose of Role
Innovating for Defence – Innovation in defence is vital to UK national security
NCC has worked in partnership with defence customers since its inception. As a Centre of Excellence for Defence Innovation, we have an established national role in delivering cutting-edge products and technologies that address mission-critical challenges. This includes accelerating the development of advanced materials, digital engineering, process innovation and systems integration.
Located in the UK’s largest defence cluster, we are an innovation and development partner to industry and government. We are investing in building new (open and secure) innovation capabilities across our focus areas to deliver a truly unique capability.
In partnership with other centres in the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, we collaborate with the Ministry of Defence, defence industry primes and SMEs to create an integrated UK solution to future defence innovation.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in leading a rapidly growing area of the NCC, helping to shape the future of defence technology in the UK.
Reporting to the Director of Sector Delivery and leading the Defence Delivery Team.
Specific Responsibilities Include
- Strategic Roadmap development and delivery – Support the development of the sector or technology strategic roadmaps.
- Deliver the sector or technology business plan Revenue, Gross Margin and Impact targets.
- Lead the delivery team – currently made up of 8, with 2 direct reports. Expectation to potentially double in near future.
- Represent the team at senior leadership level, playing an active role as a delivery leader.
- Finance Management – Develop and deliver the business plan to achieve the agreed KPIs including Impact, Revenue and Gross Margin.
- Customer & Stakeholder Management – Develop stronger relationships with external and internal senior stakeholders, supporting the expansion of the Defence portfolio.
- Portfolio Governance – Lead the defence delivery team to ensure project delivery meets Time, Cost and Quality requirements.
- Business Development – supporting tenders, bids and identifying new business development opportunities.
Skills And Experience Required
We like to see diverse applications and generally prioritise people with experience across Defence, Manufacturing or Research & Development.
- Prior experience working at Programme Management or Head of Projects level.
- Defence sector background – current or previously.
- Engineering project experience – many of our project managers are ex-engineers.
- Willingness to undertake government security clearance, if required.
- Proven experience leading teams including full line management responsibilities.
- Experience managing and delivering projects – knowledge of project planning, budget management, resource management, RAID and reporting.
- Experience supporting business development activities.
Desirable (apply if you have everything else please!) – Knowledge of composites technology, its development and application.
Why This Role?
- Help secure the future success of the NCC’s Defence portfolio — through structured, collaborative campaign delivery.
- Shape how we pursue and win major opportunities, working with a diverse and committed team.
- Operate at the heart of a growing Defence Delivery Team, contributing to its culture of excellence, inclusion and continuous learning.
Notes/Brief For Recruitment Team
About The Company
Not sure you meet all the requirements? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs if they think they may not meet every qualification, when in fact they often do. At the NCC we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.
We ensure that all hiring decisions are made without regard to age, race, national origin, sex, disability, gender, gender identity, religion, or any other protected characteristics, and will treat all applications with the strictest confidence. We’re always open to hearing how we can support flexible working in different ways, including part-time work. Please don’t be afraid to ask about what we can do to support your needs. All requests will be carefully and fairly considered. We wish you every success in your job search.
Why the NCC?
We see our success in yours. The future of composites manufacturing relies on the NCC, and we rely on the right individuals to make it happen, whether they’re engineers or not!
Diverse challenges – the NCC isn’t just about aerospace. We’re working with over 16 sectors and a variety of customers, from private ventures to the global tier 1 companies, providing variety to your experience.
Innovation – a world-leading research and development centre, the work we do brings novel and innovative solutions to industry, with the future firmly in mind. So we need innovating thinking not just in Engineering, but across all support functions.
Development in composites, and you – if the scope of exciting work isn’t enough to sway you, our ethos of continued learning and development and flexible working patterns will.
We look forward to hearing from you. #fulltime #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Projects – Defence Sector employer: NCC – Innovating for Industry
Contact Detail:
NCC – Innovating for Industry Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Projects – Defence Sector
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the defence sector. Attend industry events, webinars, or conferences to connect with potential colleagues and leaders in the field. This can help you gain insights into the role and make valuable contacts.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in defence innovation. Read up on recent developments in advanced materials and digital engineering, as this knowledge will be crucial during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership experience in detail. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led teams or projects, particularly in a defence or engineering context, as this will demonstrate your capability for the Head of Projects role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the National Composites Centre and its current projects. Understanding their mission and recent achievements will allow you to tailor your conversations and show genuine interest in contributing to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Projects – Defence Sector
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in project management, particularly within the defence sector. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and successful project delivery.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for innovation in defence. Discuss how your background aligns with the NCC's mission and how you can contribute to their strategic goals.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your experience in finance management, stakeholder engagement, and business development. Mention any knowledge of composites technology if applicable, as this is a desirable skill for the role.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your documents. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your writing is clear and professional.
How to prepare for a job interview at NCC – Innovating for Industry
✨Understand the Defence Sector
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the current trends and challenges in the defence sector. Research recent innovations and how they relate to the role, as this will show your genuine interest and understanding during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Prepare examples that showcase your leadership skills, particularly in managing teams and projects. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led teams in the past, especially in high-pressure environments like defence or engineering.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Be prepared to talk about your experience with strategic roadmap development and business planning. Highlight specific instances where your strategic decisions led to successful project outcomes, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities of the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholder Management
Discuss your experience in building relationships with stakeholders. Prepare to share how you've effectively managed customer expectations and collaborated with various teams to achieve project goals, as this is crucial for the position.
