At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex unmanned systems programmes and ensure delivery excellence.
- Company: Join a leading defence company with a mission partner approach.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, professional development, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with opportunities for career progression and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the defence industry while managing innovative unmanned systems projects.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in programme management, strong UxS knowledge, and excellent leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 73416 - 110125 £ per year.
Location: St Athan, The Vale of Glamorgan, United Kingdom
Salary: £73,416.55 to £110,124.82 per annum
Employment type: Full-time, Permanent
About Sierra Nevada Corporation Mission Systems UK, Ltd
At SNC Mission Systems UK we provide tailored mission systems integration and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) solutions for the UK Government and its allies. Our unique strength is our mission partner approach delivered by people who have first‑hand operational experience. We understand the challenges you face, have the know‑how to overcome them and work with you to succeed.
Operating for over a decade, we deliver cutting‑edge capabilities from open‑source intelligence (OSINT) to uncrewed surface vessels and high‑altitude one‑way effectors that deliver true interoperability across all security levels. With our in‑house R&D team, BabelwX®, we deliver innovation at scale and pace. A wholly‑owned subsidiary of SNC, we also leverage their extensive heritage in innovation and advanced technologies to offer solutions of the highest standard and for any circumstance – peacetime or battlefield.
Role overview
The Senior Program Manager - UxS will be instrumental in leading complex unmanned systems programmes, ensuring delivery excellence, and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships. This role demands a strategic thinker with a proven track record in programme management within the Defence industry, who thrives in a collaborative environment and can manage multiple priorities with confidence and clarity.
Key responsibilities
- Lead and manage end-to-end programme delivery for unmanned systems (UxS) projects, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and client requirements.
- Develop, maintain, and communicate comprehensive programme plans, schedules, budgets, and risk management strategies.
- Coordinate cross‑functional teams including engineering, operations, quality assurance, and supply chain to drive programme milestones.
- Engage with internal and external stakeholders to maintain transparency, manage expectations, and foster collaborative partnerships.
- Oversee contract compliance, ensuring deliverables meet quality standards, regulatory requirements, and customer satisfaction.
- Identify and mitigate risks proactively, implementing corrective actions to keep programmes on track.
- Mentor and develop junior programme managers and team members, promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
- Prepare and present regular programme status reports to senior leadership and external customers.
- Support business development activities by providing technical and management insights for proposals and bids.
Qualifications and experience
- Proven experience (typically 7+ years) in programme management within Defence or related industries.
- Strong knowledge of unmanned systems (UxS) technologies, concepts, and industry trends.
- Demonstrable success managing complex, multi‑disciplinary programmes to time, cost, and quality targets.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Familiarity with relevant regulatory and compliance frameworks applicable to defence programmes.
- Professional qualifications such as MSP, PMP, or Prince2 Practitioner are highly desirable.
- Degree‑level education in Engineering, Defence Studies, Management, or a related discipline.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure, prioritising competing demands while maintaining attention to detail.
Benefits
- Competitive salary package reflecting your skills and experience.
- Generous pension scheme with employer contributions.
- Annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays.
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- Access to employee assistance programmes and wellbeing initiatives.
- Supportive and inclusive working environment within a leading defence company.
- Hybrid working options available in line with company policy.
How to apply
If you are a motivated Senior Program Manager with a passion for unmanned systems and delivering excellence, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role through our careers page or the job board where you found this posting.
Sierra Nevada Corporation Mission Systems UK, Ltd is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
Senior Program Manager - UxS employer: Sierra Nevada Corporation Mission Systems UK Ltd
At Sierra Nevada Corporation Mission Systems UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and a generous pension scheme alongside ample opportunities for professional development and career progression. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, particularly in the dynamic field of unmanned systems, while our location in St Athan provides a unique environment to engage with cutting-edge defence technologies and contribute to meaningful projects that support the UK Government and its allies.
Contact Details:
Sierra Nevada Corporation Mission Systems UK Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Program Manager - UxS
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the defence industry, especially those who work with unmanned systems. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into UxS technologies and current trends. Show us you’re not just a candidate but a passionate expert ready to tackle challenges head-on!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you note. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission at SNC Mission Systems UK.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Program Manager - UxS
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Program Manager role. Highlight your experience in programme management, especially within the Defence industry, and showcase any relevant projects you've led.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about unmanned systems and how your skills align with our mission at SNC. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see your leadership style! In both your CV and cover letter, mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and projects, particularly in high-pressure environments.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our careers page! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sierra Nevada Corporation Mission Systems UK Ltd
✨Know Your UxS Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of unmanned systems technologies and industry trends. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the specific challenges faced in the Defence sector, as this will show that you understand the role and its demands.
✨Showcase Your Programme Management Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed complex programmes. Highlight your ability to deliver on time, within budget, and to quality standards. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your communication skills by discussing how you've effectively engaged with both internal and external stakeholders in previous roles. Share specific instances where you maintained transparency and built collaborative partnerships, as this is crucial for the Senior Program Manager position.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Risk Management
Since risk management is a key responsibility, prepare to talk about how you've identified and mitigated risks in past projects. Bring examples that illustrate your proactive approach and how you implemented corrective actions to keep programmes on track.
