At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead project delivery in Ukraine, ensuring excellence and strong relationships with partners.
- Company: STARK, a cutting-edge defence tech company transforming autonomous systems.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Frequent travel to Ukraine required; thrive in high-tempo environments.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence technology while working in a fast-paced, multinational setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in Ukraine, strong leadership, and exceptional stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About Us
STARK is a new kind of defence technology company revolutionising the way autonomous systems are deployed across multiple domains. We design, develop and manufacture high performance unmanned systems that are software‑defined, mass‑scalable, and cost effective. This provides our operators with a decisive edge in highly contested environments. We’re focused on delivering deployable, high-performance systems—not future promises. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe—today.
Your mission
We are seeking a seasoned operational and project delivery leader with deep experience working in Ukraine and across multinational, high‑tempo environments. You will be responsible for supporting the country lead in end‑to‑end project execution for secured contracts in Ukraine—driving delivery excellence, building strong in‑country relationships, and ensuring our systems reach operators quickly, safely, and with maximum operational advantage. This role is ideal for a commercial‑minded operations professional with a background in defence, technology, engineering, or complex logistics programmes.
Responsibilities
- Project Planning & Delivery: Support planning, execution, and delivery of in‑country programmes, ensuring performance against cost, time, and quality commitments. Build relationships with key suppliers, forecasting models, and governance mechanisms to give clarity and control across all delivery milestones. Facilitate cross‑functional collaboration between UK teams, engineering, supply chain, operations, and partner organisations. Monitor progress continuously, managing risks and adjusting plans to maintain delivery momentum in dynamic environments.
- Liaison & Stakeholder Management: Support the primary in‑country liaison with partner forces, suppliers, governmental bodies, and STARK’s internal teams. Build trusted relationships that underpin long‑term cooperation, transparency, and mission success.
- Logistics & Operational Security: Oversee logistics, movement control, and in‑country support for project delivery and T&E activities. Ensure strict adherence to Operational Security policies, safeguarding people, assets, and sensitive information.
- Customer Advisory & Relationship Management: Act as a trusted adviser to customers and partners, shaping CONOPs, feasibility assessments, and tailored technical solutions. Understand the operational realities on the ground and help customers realise the full value of STARK systems. Nurture long‑term relationships that support future growth and continuous improvement.
Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience operating in Ukraine, with a strong grasp of local dynamics and multinational project delivery.
- Proven leadership in complex programmes involving engineering, European supply chains, logistics, defence, or technology.
- Exceptional stakeholder management skills across cultures, functions, and seniority levels.
- Strong communication, negotiation, risk management, and problem‑solving abilities.
- Ukrainian and/or Russian language skills are highly advantageous.
- Ability to thrive in dynamic, ambiguous, and high‑tempo environments.
- Eligible for UK Security Clearance at SC level (DV desirable).
- Willingness to travel frequently to Ukraine up to 70 days per year.
Project Delivery Manager (Ukraine Operations) in Swindon employer: Stark Defence
STARK is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of defence technology in Ukraine. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and collaboration, we foster a dynamic work culture that values innovation and operational excellence. Our commitment to delivering high-performance unmanned systems not only supports NATO Allies but also provides our team members with meaningful and impactful work in a rapidly evolving environment.
