Head of Operational Capability

Bristol, England, United Kingdom

1/10/2025

Job Description

The opportunity

The Future Combat Air (FCA) team at Leonardo UK work at the forefront of technologies and concepts that underpin 6th Gen combat air capabilities for Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as well as other national and international initiatives in various domains.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Operational Capability. We are looking for a Military-Operationally minded individual with a passion for ensuring that the war-fighter gets the capability that they need and someone with a desire to shape the next generation in UK and international integrated sensing, non-kinetic effecting and communications systems.

You will report directly to the Vice President Capability for Future Combat Air. You will work closely with the national and international MoD customer community and the Leonardo Electronics UK, and international partner, Engineering community in the concepting, design and development of Integrated Sensing and Non-Kinetic Effects (ISANKE) and Integrated Communication System (ICS) within the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). You will use operational and technical knowledge from your experience to help engineers understand the context in which a 6th generation platform will operate ensuring the technology being developed in each area will be effective against adversaries when the GCAP platform comes into service.

What You Will Do As Head Of Operational Capability

• Primary interface into MoD Requirements Team, shaping and guiding development of concepts of employment and operation, System Requirements Documentation and other relevant documents. You will lead the Leonardo input to International Requirements Working Groups.
• You will be the Capability lead for GCAP Core Platform requirements, focussing on collaboratively developing ISANKE and ICS requirements that deliver the operational capability required by the customer.
• Lead the Leonardo representation in the UK MoD Mission Effectiveness Forums, coordinating the required Leonardo technical expertise contributing to the forum.
• Provide operational strategic guidance to and oversight of the Operational Analysis (OA) function, assisting the team to become a true OA function within Leonardo for FCAS but also wider OA requirements within the business.
• Provide operational strategic guidance to and oversight of ISANKE technology/functionality development for FCAS, to assure the development of a 6th generation ISANKE system that meets customer needs.
• Lead FCA Capability input into all matters related to FCAS security, especially Above Secret elements, working closely with UK MoD
  
  

What We Need From You

You really must have

• 4th & 5th Generation Combat Air sector experience including market intelligence, current and future operational requirements, threat environment and future Concepts of Operation.
• Recent UK military 4th generation Combat Air platform experience
• Working knowledge of advanced Sensors (RF & EO), System Architectures and Concepts, Systems of Systems approaches to delivering future capability requirements.
• The ability to motivate and influence multi-disciplined teams that are not necessarily within your direct reporting structure.
• The ability to clearly articulate verbally and in written form, strategies, complex concepts and solution design.
• The ability to self-starter/self-motivate and set short and long-term planning goals in line with campaign and business needs.
• A high level of emotional intelligence and awareness of impact on others working together during high pressure campaign activity.
• A desire to learn how a Business functions and to apply that knowledge to progress through a satisfying and challenging second career.
  
  

It would be nice if you have

• UK military 5th generation Combat Air platform experience
• Experience in Operational Test & Evaluation.
• Experience in Requirements Management within UK Air Capability Development/Delivery
• The ability to manage a small team of highly motivated capability managers with a diverse portfolio of activity in a dynamic environment.
• Broad knowledge of Leonardo Electronics Division product portfolio associated with the Combat Air sector.
  
  

Security Clearance

You must be eligible for full security clearance. For more information and guidance please visit https //www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels

Life at Leonardo

With a company funded benefits package, a commitment to learning and development, and a flexible approach to working hours focused on the needs of both our employees and customers, a career with Leonardo has never offered as many opportunities or been more accessible to as many people.

• Flexible Working Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us
• Company funded flexible benefits Access to private healthcare, dental schemes, Workplace ISA, Go Green Car Scheme, technology and lifestyle options (£500 annual allowance)
• Holidays 25 days plus bank holidays, option to buy/sell leave and to accrue up to 12 additional flexi leave days per year
• Pension Award winning pension scheme (up to 15% employer contribution)
• Wellbeing Employee Assistance Programme with access to free mental health support, financial wellbeing support and network groups to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to diversity & inclusion (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity)
• Lifestyle Discounted Gym membership, Cycle to work scheme
• Training Free access to more than 4000 online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning Referral Incentive You can earn a reward for successfully referring a friend or family member Bonus Scheme in place for all employees at management level and below
  
  

For a full list of our company benefits please our website here.

Leonardo is a global high-tech company and one of the key players in Aerospace, Defence and Security. Headquartered in Italy, Leonardo has over 45,000 employees, of which 8,000 are based in the UK.

At Leonardo UK, we believe that a diverse and inclusive work environment unlocks our people’s full potential and drives innovation and creativity. We work hard to offer a welcoming, accessible and inclusive place to work for all of our people, creating a culture where everyone can thrive, feel safe and have a sense of belonging and connection.

Primary Location

GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300

Additional Locations

GB - Bristol - Coldharbour Lane, GB - Lincoln

Contract Type

Permanent

Hybrid Working

Hybrid