At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the delivery of a next-gen naval programme and oversee construction activities.
- Company: Join Babcock, a leader in defence engineering with a focus on safety and security.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, matched pension scheme, and access to health consultations.
- Other info: Enjoy excellent development opportunities and a comprehensive wellbeing package.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on national security while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in shipbuilding or marine engineering and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Lead the delivery of a next generation naval programme. At Babcock we’re working to create a safe and secure world, together, and if you join us, you can play your part as a Shipbuilding Operations Strategy Lead at our Rosyth site.
The role is pivotal within our Type 31 Programme – one of the UK’s most exciting and strategic naval shipbuilding projects. You will shape the successful delivery of core construction activities, influencing productivity, quality and safety standards across a major defence engineering programme. This is a highly visible position where your expertise and leadership will have a meaningful impact on national security, operational capability and the long‑term growth of your career.
Day to day you’ll be required to:
- Lead and oversee all Build, Commissioning and Quality Control activities within the Core Delivery Stream.
- Drive productivity improvements and foster a strong safety and quality culture across the Type 31 Programme.
- Manage the Delivery organisation to ensure alignment with schedules, milestones and programme priorities.
- Build strong relationships with internal engineering, planning, quality and production teams to enable seamless project delivery.
- Promote continuous improvement, recognising best practice and implementing new ways of working.
This role is full time, 37 hours per week and is based on site at Rosyth.
Essential experience includes:
- Significant experience delivering complex shipbuilding or major marine engineering programmes.
- Strong understanding of project management and controls processes, tools and techniques.
- Proven leadership capability, managing multi‑discipline teams and subcontractors.
- Experience in driving and managing change across complex environments.
- Senior level planning and budgeting experience – desirable.
Qualifications include a relevant degree or equivalent professional experience.
The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) security clearance for this role. Many of the positions within our company are subject to national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions. Your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and any residency you hold or have held.
What we offer:
- Generous holiday allowance.
- Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance.
- Access to a Digital GP, annual health check and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare.
- Employee share scheme.
- Employee shopping savings portal.
- Payment of professional fees.
- Reservists receive 10‑day special paid leave.
- Holiday trading allows you to buy additional leave or sell up to one working week of annual leave from your entitlement.
- This window opens February through March annually.
- Be Kind Day enables employees to take one working day's paid leave a year (or equivalent hours) to undertake volunteering work with a chosen organisation or registered charity.
- Excellent development opportunities and a comprehensive wellbeing package.
Closing date: 12/06/2026
Shipbuilding Operations Strategy Lead in Fife employer: Babcock International
Babcock is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Rosyth site where you can lead the charge on the Type 31 Programme, a key naval shipbuilding initiative. With a strong focus on employee development, generous benefits including a matched pension scheme and wellbeing support, and a culture that promotes safety and continuous improvement, we empower our team to make a meaningful impact on national security while enjoying a fulfilling career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shipbuilding Operations Strategy Lead in Fife
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the shipbuilding industry, especially those connected to Babcock. Attend events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Type 31 Programme and Babcock’s values. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about contributing to national security and operational capability. Tailor your answers to reflect how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about times you’ve successfully managed teams or driven change. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and make them memorable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on our careers page for new opportunities that match your skills and interests. We’re always looking for talented individuals to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Shipbuilding Operations Strategy Lead in Fife
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Shipbuilding Operations Strategy Lead role. Highlight your experience in shipbuilding or marine engineering, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills and project management expertise!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects you've led and how they relate to the Type 31 Programme. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate how you’ve driven productivity improvements or enhanced safety standards in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company!
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock International
✨Know Your Shipbuilding Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of shipbuilding and marine engineering. Understand the Type 31 Programme and its significance in the UK’s naval strategy. Being able to discuss specific projects or challenges in the industry will show that you're not just interested, but genuinely knowledgeable.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing multi-discipline teams. Think about times when you drove productivity improvements or fostered a safety culture. Be ready to discuss how you can apply these skills to the role at Babcock.
✨Get Familiar with Project Management Tools
Since project management is key for this role, make sure you’re well-versed in relevant tools and techniques. Be prepared to talk about your experience with planning, budgeting, and controls processes. This will demonstrate your capability to manage complex programmes effectively.
✨Build Relationships Before You Even Start
Think about how you can build strong relationships with internal teams like engineering and production. During the interview, express your strategies for collaboration and continuous improvement. Showing that you value teamwork will resonate well with the company’s culture.
