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- Tasks: Lead the design and manufacture of Fleet Solid Support Ships while fostering team development.
- Company: Join the Royal Navy's innovative Maritime team driving the National Shipbuilding Strategy.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, diverse work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission that enhances national security and supports cutting-edge shipbuilding projects.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in major project delivery and relevant project management qualifications required.
- Other info: Work primarily at DE&S Main office with travel to various MOD sites.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 85000 £ per year.
You will be working as part of a collaborative, inclusive and highly productive Maritime team who are at the vanguard of the Royal Navy’s Equipment Procurement Programme modernisation, implementing an ambitious National Shipbuilding Strategy. As a servant leader you will enable and set the conditions in which your team can most efficiently deliver their project outcomes and will be proactive in their formation of skills and professional development so they can flourish in a varied, interesting and rewarding career in DE&S.
This exciting Government Major Projects Portfolio delivery role leads the design and manufacture contract for the Fleet Solid Support Ships, including the Integrated Logistics Support deliverables to enable a smooth transition to service. As a subject matter expert, you will be required to consult upstream’ through the DE&S Gateway to advise on Support Shipbuilding projects, including Offshore Support Vessels and Multi-Role Support Ships that are earlier in their procurement journey.
You will have important responsibilities to safety, environmental and security protections in this highly regulated activity and for managing the Crown Indemnity that is offered to the Ship Builder. You will be able to apply your knowledge and experience to Defence Maritime activity and support the Safety Accountable Persons to achieve safe and environmentally sound project outcomes.
As a key leader in the Ministry of Defence Shipbuilding Enterprise, you will also be required to actively collaborate with the Head of Combat Ships Delivery to provide mutual assistance through surges and peaks in workload demand and to build a sustainable cohort of colleagues with Naval Overseeing and Trials and Acceptance skills for a buoyant future shipbuilding pipeline., Delivery of the DE&S Scope of the Royal Navy Support Shipbuilding Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP).
Navy Command Delivery Agent for the acquisition and introduction to operational service of x3 Fleet Solid Support Ships
within approvals.
Subject Matter Expert consultancy in the Gateway Area of DE&S for Support Ships programmes, including Offshore
Support Vessels (host platform for mine hunting and seabed warfare capabilities) and Multi Role Support Ships (Littoral
Strike Vessels).
Supporting the Combat Ships Delivery head through workload variation in Type 26 and Type 31 Frigate acceptance and transition
to service.
Supporting the delivery of the National Shipbuilding Strategy Refresh.
Through the management of industrial relationships and international relationships (as agreed with the DE&S Gateway), develop
the opportunity for exports to improve the prosperity of the UK and deliver International Collaboration with Partners and Allies on
support shipping technology and under way replenishment.
Promoting a culture of Operational Excellence by ensuring process improvement and embracing the principles of flexible
workforce.
Influence DE&S Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Be responsible for delivery against these and other key targets within,
corporate objectives of the OGSM framework (Objective, Goals, Strategies, Measures).
Improving the availability of systems/platforms/services so Defence may have greater capacity to actively protect our Nation.
Promote a culture that enables safe, secure, suitable, and sustainable delivery; working with the appropriate regulatory facing
Accountable Persons, ensure that a formally delegated appointee structure in accordance with Acquisition Safety and
Environmental Management System (ASEMS) is in place, safety delegations to flow from the Chief Executive Officer. Provide
support to Safety and Environmental Committees, highlighting any issues which may impact safety or environmental performance.
Utilising DE&S Portfolio Office analysis about project performance to provide operational direction on the performance objectives of
their portfolio.
Person specification
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion – A visible leader, with a proactive commitment to diversity and inclusion and demonstrable experience of creating and maintaining a psychologically safe and inclusive environment.
Being accountable – Evidence of accepting and responding to challenges from stakeholders up to Ministerial level and colleagues in a constructive manner
Fostering autonomy and choice – Demonstrable evidence of encouraging measured risk taking and innovation and encouraging staff autonomy to allow them to work in a way most suitable and productive for their work to deliver better approaches of services.
Technical:
Technical 1 – Significant experience of Major Projects delivery and understanding of Government approval processes
Technical 2 – Substantial evidence of acquisition, in-service support, logistics and supply chain management knowledge
Technical 3 – Demonstrable experience in risk management and experience in safety and environmental management in a highly Regulated Environment.
Qualifications and registrations:
Essential:
MAPM, APMP, MSP or equivalent Project Management qualification
Desirable:
Engineering/Science Degree qualified or equivalent experience
Chartered status or Fellow of a Professional Institution
Experience of safety accountability in the Regulated Environment
For full information on the role please see the candidate pack.
£87.3k – £104.7k Civil Servants applying on promotion into the SCS will receive the higher of up to a 10% increase on current salary or the SCS pay band minimum
Predominantly located at DE&S Main office in Abbey Wood but other MOD sites such as Portsmouth, Glasgow and Rosyth or Naval based sites working close to this project are considered for this role and there will be some travel to other MOD sites including Belfast.
Head of Support Ships employer: Defence Equipment & Support
Contact Detail:
Defence Equipment & Support Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Support Ships
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the National Shipbuilding Strategy and the Royal Navy's Equipment Procurement Programme. Understanding these frameworks will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and show that you're aligned with the organization's goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the maritime and defense sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with individuals who can provide insights into the role and potentially refer you within their organizations.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your experience in managing major projects and your understanding of government approval processes. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've successfully navigated complex project environments, as this will be crucial for the Head of Support Ships position.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your commitment to diversity and inclusion in your discussions. Share experiences where you've fostered an inclusive environment or led teams with diverse backgrounds, as this aligns with the values of the organization.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Support Ships
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description and understand the key responsibilities and qualifications required for the Head of Support Ships position. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Highlight Leadership Experience: Since this role emphasizes servant leadership, make sure to showcase your previous leadership roles and how you've fostered a collaborative and inclusive environment. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead teams effectively.
Demonstrate Technical Knowledge: Emphasize your experience with major projects delivery, acquisition, and logistics management. Provide concrete examples of how you've managed risks and ensured safety in regulated environments, as these are crucial for the role.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Clearly articulate your commitment to diversity and inclusion in your application. Share instances where you've created a psychologically safe environment or encouraged innovation and autonomy among team members.
How to prepare for a job interview at Defence Equipment & Support
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Support Ships, demonstrating your servant leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you've enabled teams to thrive and how you foster an inclusive environment that encourages professional development.
✨Highlight Your Technical Expertise
Make sure to showcase your significant experience in Major Projects delivery and your understanding of Government approval processes. Be ready to provide examples of how your technical knowledge has contributed to successful project outcomes.
✨Discuss Risk Management Experience
Given the importance of safety and environmental management in this role, be prepared to discuss your experience in risk management. Share specific instances where you've successfully navigated challenges in a highly regulated environment.
✨Emphasize Collaboration and Communication
This role requires active collaboration with various stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated and collaborated with different teams, especially in high-pressure situations or during workload surges.
