Chief Operating Officer

Bank of America; Bristol; On-site; GBP 68,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agency in the Ministry of Defence is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to oversee operations, manage a £250M Equipment Plan, and enhance team performance. This strategic role involves leadership across multiple domains and requires exceptional stakeholder management and programme oversight.

Benefits

Civil Service Pension scheme contribution of £23,465

Flexible working options

Cultivated inclusion and diversity

Qualifications

• Experience managing multi-disciplinary teams in complex environments.
• Proven leadership skills, including empowering teams.
• Ability to develop and sustain high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee core business operations and performance.
• Manage programme, performance, risk, and financial health.
• Drive continuous improvement and embed change management.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Team management

Education

Recognised qualification in Programme/Project Management

Membership of the Association for Project Management

Job description

The Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) is part of the Ministry of Defence, responsible for the procurement, in-service support, and disposal of the UK’s nuclear submarines. Our work is of strategic national and international importance, ensuring the security of the UK’s continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent (CASD) and managing complex defence programmes. At any time, at least one of four nuclear-armed submarines, supported by smaller attack submarines, is on patrol, 24/7.

At SDA, we support, deliver, and aspire, placing our core values at the heart of our recruitment process. We promote an inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves and thrive. Celebrating diverse backgrounds and perspectives enables us to achieve extraordinary results.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will lead and oversee core business operations, drive improvements, and support operational delivery across the Directorate. Responsibilities include managing the programme, performance, risk, and financial health of the Directorate, ensuring effective delivery.

The COO will be the delegated budget holder for the Equipment Plan (£250M annually) and Operating Expenditure (£20M annually), constructing realistic budgets and maintaining financial control within set limits.

Key duties include:

1. Developing operational plans to measure and drive delivery, holding teams accountable for performance.
2. Providing leadership across the Directorate to enhance communication, engagement, and retention; deputising for the Director as needed.
3. Managing the central programming, planning, and budgeting of the Trident Weapon System in collaboration with US officials, including joint programme agreements.
4. Scrutinising and assuring costings for the Equipment Plan and Operating Expenditure, controlling in-year expenditure, and prioritising spend to optimise the Strategic Weapon System Programme.
5. Driving continuous improvement, embedding change management, and supporting team development through a learning culture.
6. Endorsing investment cases up to £100M, ensuring they are robust and well-resourced, with balanced risk.
7. Leading governance across the Directorate, including the CSSE Command Group, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
8. Chairing the CSSE People & Culture Board and leading initiatives in resourcing, diversity, inclusion, and employee experience.

Applicants should have resided in the UK for five years prior to applying for DV clearance. Additional clearances (Atomic and STRAP) will be required for the role.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• Experience managing multi-disciplinary teams in complex environments.
• Proven leadership skills, including empowering teams and managing performance.
• Stakeholder management and collaborative relationship-building experience.
• Programme leadership experience covering finance, risk, commercial management, and governance.
• Ability to develop and sustain high-performing teams.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in international environments.
• Knowledge of government communication procedures and decision-making influence.
• Understanding of the Polaris Sales Agreement and Trident Programme.

Qualifications

• A recognised qualification in Programme/Project Management or equivalent experience, or membership of the Association for Project Management.

Behaviours

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Leadership
• Changing and Improving
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together

Benefits

Salary of £81,000 plus a Civil Service Pension scheme contribution of £23,465. Additional benefits include tailored learning and development, flexible working options, and a culture of inclusion and diversity. The pension scheme offers an employer contribution of 28.97%.

Note: Relocation expenses are not covered. Travel expenses for interviews are not reimbursed. For more benefits, visit Discover My Benefits.

Applicants should be aware of the Department's Smoke-Free policy and data privacy practices under UK GDPR. The role requires security clearances including DV, ATOMIC, and STRAP.