Head of Operational Capability

Leonardo UK Ltd; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Head of Operational Capability to shape the future of combat air systems. This pivotal role involves collaborating with the MoD and engineering teams to develop integrated sensing and communication systems that meet the operational needs of the war-fighter. The successful candidate will leverage their military experience and technical knowledge to guide the design and implementation of 6th generation capabilities. This is an exciting opportunity to influence the next generation of air combat technology in a dynamic and innovative environment, where your contributions will directly impact national and international defense initiatives.

Benefits

Flexible Working Hours

Private Healthcare

Dental Schemes

Pension Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounted Gym Membership

Free Online Courses

Referral Incentive

Bonus Scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in 4th & 5th Generation Combat Air sector is essential.
• Ability to articulate complex concepts clearly is crucial.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of operational capability for GCAP.
• Interface with MoD Requirements Team and lead international working groups.

Skills

Military-Operational Knowledge

4th & 5th Generation Combat Air Experience

Advanced Sensors Knowledge (RF & EO)

System Architectures Understanding

Team Motivation and Influence

Communication Skills

Emotional Intelligence

Education

Military Experience

Relevant Technical Degree

Tools

Operational Analysis Tools

Requirements Management Tools

Job description

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, focusing 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.

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.
• 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.
• 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 visit our website.

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.

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Primary Location:

GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300

Additional Locations:

GB - Bristol - Coldharbour Lane, GB - Lincoln

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hybrid Working:

Hybrid