A vacancy has arisen for a Sqn Ldr (Any) to serve as SO2 Engagement Events at RAF CRANWELL on Full Time Reserve Service (Limited Commitment) Terms and Conditions of Service (TCoS), with an initial proposed start date of 05 January 2027.
As the RAF prepares to transition to the new Armed Forces Recruiting Service, a new organisation has been established to conduct and cohere engagement activity, to inspire and attract the talent the RAF needs for the future and to ensure the RAF is recognised as an attractive employment opportunity for the whole of society. Under SO1 Engage, Inspire to Attract (EI2A), SO2 Engagement Events will be responsible for:
- Line management responsibility for Events Planning team.
- Programme Manager for RAF Town Shows and other large-scale public-facing engagement events across the UK, including management / direction of Project Officers and engagement with external stakeholders.
- Plan and coordinate across the RAF to cohere people, equipment and support in support of Engagement Events: communicating plans and requirements with Air Cmd, Groups, Stn Cdrs, Air Displays Teams, RAF Charities and Air Cadets - bringing together RAF assets to best effect.
- Forward planning of the annual events’ programme in line with Recruiting targets for both regulars and reserves ensuring maximum effect within constrained resources.
- Comprehensive evaluation of data to assess effectiveness / utility of events to inform future plans and investment decisions.
- Budget planning, submissions and in-year spend of the engagement events budget allocation.
- Management of the Events Agency contract, retender process and for in-year contract delivery and evaluation feedback.
- Oversight of Ambassadors (RAF and Hometown) and training.
- Day-to-day liaison with the other R&S Pillars (until AFRS takes over) on all events activity, ensuring they have all the relevant information to be able to deliver the events programme.
- Coordination, development and procurement of all new branded resource materials to support the RAF EI2A events (Branded Tentage, Pull-ups, Feather flags, Promotional Items etc)
- Support AFRS HQ in developing their understanding of sS Engagement activity and future plans.
- Occasional weekend working may be required within limits of TCOS.
SO2 Engagement Events employer: Serve
Joining the team at Northwood HQ as an SO2 IWC Ops Delivery offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the mission of the IWC while enjoying a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional growth. Employees benefit from structured development pathways, flexible working arrangements, and the chance to engage in high-level strategic operations that directly impact the Joint Force. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on employee well-being, Northwood HQ stands out as an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in defence operations.
