Head of Communications Programmes

STS Defence; Gosport; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense technology company in the UK is seeking a Head of Communications Programmes to oversee a portfolio of secure communications projects. This senior leadership role involves managing multi-disciplinary teams, ensuring compliance with security requirements, and driving operational performance. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in defense programme management, strong leadership skills, and a background in secure communications technologies. This position requires eligibility for high-level UK security clearance.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in delivering complex defence programmes.
• Ability to manage and inspire teams in a high-pressure environment.
• Strong understanding of RF systems and secure communication technologies.
• Solid understanding of defence contracting and systems integration.

Responsibilities

• Lead a portfolio of secure communications programmes.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of project managers.
• Ensure compliance with security policies and government protocols.
• Engage with MoD stakeholders and industry partners.
• Oversee programme budgets and schedules.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Education

Degree in Engineering or related field

Professional project management certification

Job description

The Head of Communications Programmes is a senior leadership role responsible for the successful delivery of a portfolio of secure communications projects for STS Defence. This includes oversight of RF, data, encrypted systems, and advanced secure communication technologies across multiple programmes.

The postholder will lead a multi-disciplinary programme organisation, ensuring delivery excellence, strict adherence to security and accreditation requirements, and alignment with STS Defence’s strategic objectives. Reporting directly to the Programmes Director, the Head of Communications Programmes will shape programme strategy, drive operational performance, and maintain strong relationships with a diverse customer base—ranging from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and wider defence sector organisations to civil contractors and commercial partners. The role ensures all projects are delivered to the highest technical, commercial, and security standards.

This role also includes acting as a senior escalation point for the STS Defence Service Desk and will require occasional out-of-hours support to manage critical issues, maintain service continuity, and ensure rapid response to high-priority incidents. The postholder ensures all projects and services are delivered to the highest technical, commercial, and security standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for a portfolio of secure communications programmes, including RF and data-centric systems
• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of project managers, ensuring high performance, effective resource allocation, and successful project delivery
• Drive programme planning, execution, tracking, and reporting in alignment with MoD requirements and internal governance processes
• Act as the primary escalation point for programme-level risks, issues, and dependencies, ensuring mitigation plans are implemented
• Engage directly with MoD stakeholders, industry partners, and internal technical teams to ensure clear communication and alignment of objectives
• Ensure compliance with all security policies, accreditation requirements, and government‑mandated protocols for classified projects
• Manage programme budgets, schedules, commercial obligations, and performance metrics to ensure delivery within agreed parameters
• Oversee the integration of new technologies, engineering changes, and system upgrades across programme phases
• Support bid activity, proposal development, and strategic planning for future secure communications programmes
• Promote a culture of safety, security, continuous improvement, and high-quality delivery across all programme teams

Skills and Qualifications

• Proven experience in delivering complex defence, secure communications, RF, or data-based programmes
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and inspire multiple project managers in a high-pressure environment
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with experience interfacing at senior levels within the MoD or equivalent defence organisations
• Strong understanding of RF systems, secure communication technologies, and/or classified data networks
• Demonstrable experience in programme governance, risk management, cost control, and schedule management
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and decision-making skills
• Ability to operate effectively within a highly regulated, security-sensitive environment
• Solid understanding of defence contracting, engineering lifecycle processes, and systems integration

Essential

• Extensive experience in defence sector programme management, ideally within secure communications or related systems
• Demonstrated ability to oversee multiple complex projects simultaneously
• Experience managing geographically dispersed or multi-disciplinary teams
• Eligibility for, and willingness to maintain, high-level UK security clearance (DV preferred / mandatory)
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of MoD procurement frameworks
• Degree in Engineering, Communications Technology, Defence Studies, Programme Management, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent experience)
• Professional project or programme management certification (e.g., APM, MSP, PRINCE2) preferred

Additional Information

SECURITY – All candidates must be in a position to obtain UK security clearance to SC level. Additional restrictions may apply on certain defence programmes.

UKSV National Security Vetting Solution: guidance for applicants – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)