At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative ISR solutions using drone technology.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company focused on defence and commercial sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy private healthcare, gym membership, professional development days, and more.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for international travel and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the evolving world of drone operations and ISR.
- Qualifications: Experience with RPAS systems and strong project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Prevail Partners is seeking an experienced RPAS Programme Manager to support the development and delivery of ISRaaS (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance as a Service) opportunities across government, defence, and commercial environments. This role will provide specialist expertise across remotely piloted aircraft systems RPAS, wider ISR capability development, regulatory compliance, solution design, and project delivery. The successful candidate will work closely with operational, commercial, and technical stakeholders to help shape scalable ISR solutions aligned to client requirements.
The position is ideally suited to someone with commercial experience; strong practical and strategic understanding of drone operations; ISR integration, aviation regulation, and project coordination within complex or high-assurance environments.
Key Responsibilities- Act as the internal SME for RPAS/drone capability development and wider ISRaaS opportunities.
- Lead the design and development of ISR solutions for government, defence, and commercial clients.
- Advise on UK and international RPAS regulatory requirements, permissions, and compliance frameworks.
- Engage with internal stakeholders to support bid activity, solution architecture, and technical proposals.
- Support project planning, mobilisation, and delivery activities across ISR-related projects.
- Provide technical input into operational concepts, deployment models, and capability integration.
- Liaise with external suppliers, operators, regulators, and technology partners where required.
- Support the assessment and selection of suitable RPAS platforms, sensors, and supporting technologies.
- Contribute to risk assessments, operational procedures, governance documentation, and assurance processes.
- Help identify future ISRaaS opportunities, capability gaps, and innovation initiatives.
- Ability to translate technical concepts into operational or commercial outcomes.
- Strong experience working with RPAS/drone systems within defence, security, government, or commercial sectors.
- Good understanding of ISR operations, collection methodologies, and supporting technologies.
- Knowledge of UK CAA regulations and broader international drone/RPAS regulatory frameworks.
- Experience supporting technical solution design and operational planning.
- Experience coordinating or managing technical projects or operational deployments.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
- Comfortable operating in fast-paced and evolving environments.
- Experience supporting ISR capability development within defence or national security environments.
- Knowledge of counter-UAS considerations and airspace management.
- Experience with BVLOS operations or complex operational environments.
- Existing relationships within the RPAS, aviation, or ISR ecosystem.
- Experience supporting bids, proposals, or client-facing solution development.
- Security clearance (SC/DV) or willingness to undergo clearance.
At Prevail, we believe in recognising and rewarding our people. Our benefits package is designed to support your wellbeing, financial security, professional development, and life beyond work:
- AXA Private Medical Insurance: Fully funded private healthcare cover through AXA.
- Health Shield Cashback Plan: Claim cashback on everyday healthcare costs including dental, optical, physiotherapy, prescriptions, and more.
- Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme: A tax-efficient way to save for your future through pension contributions.
- Employee Assistance Programme: Confidential mental health, legal, financial, and wellbeing support through Health Hero.
- Free Gym Membership & Wellness Perks: Free gym access for London employees at Manor Gym, plus company-sponsored fitness classes each week.
- Enhanced Leave Entitlements: Supporting you through important life moments with flexibility and care.
- Professional Development Days: Dedicated time off to focus on your personal and professional growth through training, courses, or self-directed learning.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Tax-efficient savings on bikes and accessories, available post-probation.
- Season Ticket Loans: Interest-free loans to support annual commuting costs.
- Socials & Team Culture: Company socials every other Thursday, regular run club meetups, plus summer and Christmas events that bring the team together.
- Culture & Development: A values-led culture with collaborative initiatives and meaningful opportunities for personal and professional development.
RPAS Programme Manager (Technical Lead) employer: Prevail
At Prevail Partners, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our London-based team enjoys a comprehensive benefits package, including private healthcare, professional development opportunities, and a vibrant social culture that promotes teamwork and personal growth. With a focus on employee wellbeing and a commitment to recognising achievements, we provide a rewarding experience for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the ISRaaS sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land RPAS Programme Manager (Technical Lead)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the RPAS and ISR sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience with drone systems and ISR operations. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've tackled challenges in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a company you’re keen on, don’t wait for them to post a job. Reach out directly through our website and express your interest. Tailor your message to show how your skills align with their needs, especially in RPAS and regulatory compliance.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the unexpected! In interviews, be ready for technical questions or scenario-based discussions. Brush up on your knowledge of UK CAA regulations and be prepared to discuss how you would approach project delivery in complex environments.
We think you need these skills to ace RPAS Programme Manager (Technical Lead)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the RPAS Programme Manager role. Highlight your experience with drone systems and ISR operations, and don’t forget to mention any relevant regulatory knowledge. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
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. Share specific examples of your past experiences that relate to the job description. We love seeing your personality come through!
Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills:Since this role involves working closely with various stakeholders, make sure to highlight your communication and engagement skills. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. We value teamwork and effective communication!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and submit your materials!
How to prepare for a job interview at Prevail
✨Know Your RPAS Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of remotely piloted aircraft systems and ISRaaS. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've applied your expertise in previous roles, especially in relation to regulatory compliance and solution design.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to talk about your experience working with various stakeholders. Think of examples where you successfully collaborated with operational, commercial, and technical teams to deliver projects. This will show your ability to navigate complex environments.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be ready to explain how you translate technical concepts into operational outcomes. Share instances where your strategic insights led to successful project delivery or innovative solutions, particularly in defence or government sectors.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Think of challenges you've faced in past projects, especially regarding ISR operations or regulatory hurdles. Prepare to discuss how you approached these issues and what the outcomes were, highlighting your ability to adapt in fast-paced environments.
