Head of Delivery - Manufacturing - 2 year FTC

We are now looking for a

Head of Delivery – Manufacturing – 2-year FTC

to join our team working for a better future.

The position is a 2-year fixed term contract, and the location is in Havant, Portsmouth.

What you will be doing

We are seeking a dynamic, experienced, and strategic Head of Delivery to lead the delivery function whilst helping to shape the future of Wärtsilä Defence Solutions Ltd (WDSL). This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for driving business performance, shaping delivery strategy, and leading four high-performing teams in a fast-paced, growing business.

As Head of Delivery, your work will focus on these responsibilities:

• Lead the strategic planning and operational management of the delivery function, comprised of; Operations, Supply Chain, Design Engineering & Project and Systems Engineering teams (totalling ~130 FTE).

• Develop and implement business wide delivery strategies, frameworks, and resource plans.

• Ensures compliance with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards such as sustainability and corporate social responsibility, while promoting Wartsila values and culture to achieve and surpass safety, quality and output requirements.

• Oversee multiple complex project workstreams, managing interdependencies, risks, and performance.

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and direction to the Delivery function.

• Maintain robust delivery schedules, forecasts, and KPIs to ensure successful outcomes.

• Own budget control and financial reporting, aligning cost, scope, and time with business goals.

• Drive continuous improvement and innovation across delivery processes and systems.

• Represent the organization to external stakeholders, including customers and suppliers.

• Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and accountability.

To be successful in this role, we expect you to have:

• Proven leadership experience in business unit/function/programme delivery.

• Deep understanding of operational business management. Broad cross-disciplinary knowledge with a focus on continuous learning and capability development.

• Strategic mindset with the ability to develop and execute delivery roadmaps.

• Strong financial and commercial acumen (budgeting, forecasting & risk management).

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Experience managing integrated schedules, resources, and project controls across a portfolio.

• Demonstrated commitment to quality, compliance, and customer focus.

• Experience of manufacturing within the defence industry is highly desirable.

Key Attributes of a Successful Head of Delivery

• Leadership: Inspires and leads teams with confidence and clarity.

• Strategic Thinking: Aligns delivery with long-term business goals.

• Communication: Bridges clients, teams, and leadership with clear, effective communication.

• Problem-Solving: Tackles complex challenges with informed, decisive action.

• Adaptability: Embraces change and innovation in a dynamic environment.

• Negotiation: Secures resources and resolves conflicts with diplomacy and tact.

Why you and us?

We at Wärtsilä believe in empowerment, ownership and taking responsibility of our work. We support each other’s growth and co-creation is the true basis of our innovation. We have courage to see opportunities and take initiative.

We are authentic and honest, and we strongly believe in that by being your own true self you can accomplish so much more. We don’t always get it right the first time, and if mistakes are made, we make sure to learn and grow from them. We want everyone to voice their opinions freely. That is why we have built an environment that empowers you and everyone around you, and where you can feel safe and cared for. Are you eager to be part of this ambition?

We have an amazing team and we are excited about our work and the impact it has on building sustainable societies. We are looking to find a colleague with this shared passion for smart technologies and a sustainable future.

Contact & next steps

We hope to hear from you soon, by submitting your application through our careers portal. We aim to keep you updated on the process throughout.

For further questions please reach out to Jess Baxter through with any questions related to this position (only for questions from direct job applicants, applications through email will not be recorded or responded to).

Welcome to join us in shaping the decarbonisation of marine and energy!

Last application date:04/08/2025

At Wärtsilä we value, respect and embrace all our differences, and are committed to diversity, inclusion and equal employment opportunities; everyone can be their true self and succeed based on their job-relevant merits and abilities.
Please note that according to Wärtsilä policy, voluntary consent for a security check may be required from candidates being considered for this position, depending on the applicable country.

This is Wärtsilä

Wärtsilä is a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. Our team of 18,300 professionals, in more than 230 locations in 77 countries, shape the decarbonisation transformation of our industries across the globe. Read more on . #LI-JB1

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