At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage unmanned systems programmes, ensuring delivery excellence and stakeholder engagement.
- Company: Join a leading defence company with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, professional development, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Supportive environment with opportunities for growth and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the defence industry while advancing your career.
- 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
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.
Competitive salary package reflecting your skills and experience. Generous pension scheme with employer contributions. 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 SNC Mission Systems UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and a generous pension scheme alongside opportunities for professional development and career progression. Our supportive and inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, particularly in the dynamic field of unmanned systems, making St Athan a prime location for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the defence industry.
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 that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Knowing their mission and recent developments will help you stand out. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in what they do!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Senior Program Manager – UxS. Highlight your leadership skills and any relevant projects you've managed in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
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 skills or qualifications that 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 passionate about unmanned systems and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We value strong leadership qualities, so be sure to include examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. This will help us see how you can contribute to our collaborative environment.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, apply directly through our careers page. It ensures your application gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all candidates efficiently.
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. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the role but genuinely passionate about it.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific programme management challenges. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully led complex projects, managed risks, or coordinated cross-functional teams.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Program Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Be ready to share instances where you've mentored team members or influenced stakeholders, highlighting your communication and interpersonal skills.
✨Align with Their Mission Partner Approach
Familiarise yourself with SNC Mission Systems UK's mission partner approach. During the interview, express how your experience aligns with their collaborative ethos and how you can contribute to fostering strong stakeholder relationships.
