Head of Operations and Delivery (Special Missions)

Nova Systems is a global engineering services and technology solutions company, with strategically located offices in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. We play a key part in keeping the global community safe. We pride ourselves in being responsive to our customers and are committed to delivering our solutions in a timely way. Small enough to care, big enough to matter, we leverage the benefits of scale for our clients.

What makes Nova Systems truly unique, is our people, it's where the best and brightest minds come together to challenge, collaborate, and innovate. At Nova Systems we see things differently. We bring (and take) a different perspective.

Our Vision - Smart People. Solving Complex Challenges. Making our world safe and secure.

As the Head of Operations & Delivery you will be responsible for the safe and successful delivery of Airborne Mission Systems and Special Mission product projects to our clients. The position will involve the leadership and management of a team of experienced aerospace design engineers and project managers and will be accountable for the successful delivery of some of our most strategically important projects, as well as the financial performance of the portfolio.

You will work closely with Business Support colleagues to ensure that programme controls and reporting mechanisms are in place and functioning correctly. You will also manage key client relationships, foster strong associations and ensure client satisfaction. The achievement of your responsibilities will be underpinned by your effective leadership and engagement of your team.

Reporting directly to our GM of Aerospace Integration and Test - Julian Lee you'll be based in Corsham, near Bath, we have hybrid working (2-3 days in the office) with occasional travel to our offices in Shannon, Bournemouth, Bristol and to our client sites across the UK.

Key Accountabilities

Operational Control & Delivery

• Accountable for the successful delivery of Special Missions programmes within the Integrated Solutions line of business.
• Financial responsibility for delivery to gross margin targets and management of overhead budgets.
• Maintain operational control of the programme, ensuring project management capability and the team of Project Managers, is capable of delivering all projects on-scope, on-time and on-budget.
• Management of the UK-based design & avionics engineering leads and their teams to support the required design outputs.

Budget ownership

• Ownership of the Special Missions budget, ensuring projects are delivered in line with financial targets, whilst managing financial performance and reporting.
• Monitor and control project costs, implementing cost-saving measures where possible.
• Provide regular financial updates to senior leadership, highlighting any risks or issues.
• Work closely with key Finance and Project Support Office colleagues to establish and maintain the necessary project operational controls and reporting mechanisms.

Client Relationships

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, acting as the primary point of contact.
• Understand client needs and expectations, ensuring they are met or exceeded.
• Regularly communicate with clients, or oversee PM communications, to provide project updates and address any concerns.
• Work closely with clients to identify opportunities for additional services and solutions.

People Engagement

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Team to achieve a high-performing and engaged workforce.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, technical excellence and continual improvement.
• Champion diversity and inclusion to build a workforce that reflects Nova's values.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Experience of delivering aircraft modification and upgrade projects in an EASA or UK CAA Part 21J Design environment.
• Exceptional commercial acumen, negotiation, and communication skills, coupled with appropriate technical knowledge of mission avionics integration and regulatory understanding of aircraft modification certification processes.
• Demonstrable ability to successfully manage complex projects in the aerospace industry.
• Demonstrable ability to develop and manage relationships with senior executives, peers, clients and subcontractors.
• UK Right to Work - due to the nature of our work we can only accept NATO country passports.
• Security Clearence or the ability to obtain.

What's in it for you?

🌳 Up to 8.5% matched contributory pension

🌱 £3000 Annual Personal and Professional Development Allowance

📝 £300 towards Professional Membership Subscriptions

🎓 Study Leave - 5 days/yr

🌴 25 days of Annual Leave per year plus bank holidays

⏰ Flexible working conditions

😷 Vitality (UK) Health Insurance

🛒 Great discounts at leading retailers

🐣Enhanced Parental Leave

🧠 Employee Assistance Program for employees and family members

🤼 An inclusive and supportive culture

🥈 Reward & Recognition Programme

🚲Cycle to Work Scheme

We are committed to increasing diversity of staff within Nova Systems International and within the aerospace and engineering sector. We welcome applications from everyone who meets the requirements of the role description, and we are committed to equal opportunity, equal treatment, and respect for every individual. At Nova Systems International we are proud supporters of the Armed Forces Covenant, Nova holds silver Award from the Employer Recognition Scheme. We recognize the value that serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and military families bring to our business. We offer, and value, flexible working and we are also proud to be committed to mental health awareness and to actively support the wellbeing of our team. If you have special access requirements, please do let us know.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE