Head of Solution Development

AIRBUS Defence and Space Limited; England; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company is seeking a Department Head to lead a team in developing competitive solutions for major bids in the Space Digital UK sector. The role requires extensive experience in bid processes and strong leadership skills. You will collaborate with various departments to ensure project success and drive business growth while promoting a culture of innovation and inclusivity.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Profit sharing

Pension

Share options

Car scheme

Onsite parking

Flexible hours

Health insurance

Life insurance

Enhanced parental leave benefits

Qualifications

• Experience leading major bid processes in competitive environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of approximately 20 people in developing solutions for major bids.
• Collaborate with various business units to achieve operational goals.
• Ensure deliverables meet quality, cost, and time targets.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Commercial acumen

Knowledge of the Defence sector

Knowledge of the Space sector

Job description

View more categories | View less categories | Sector: Other | Responsibilities: Executive Management | Position/Level: Department Head | Contract Type: Permanent

Job Description:

SECURITY CLEARANCE: Eligibility to gain UK DV Security Clearance

TRAVEL REQUIRED: Frequent travel within UK and some international

LOCATION: Chippenham (alternatives: Stevenage or Portsmouth)

Leading a team of approximately 20 people, you will be part of the Space Digital UK senior leadership team. Your responsibilities include leading the team that develops solutions for major bids and supporting project management, engineering, and other functions during delivery. You will collaborate closely with Sales, Bids, Engineering, Commercial, Finance, and other business units to achieve operational goals, manage risks, and capitalize on opportunities.

It is essential that you understand customer needs and business objectives, and possess the experience, flexibility, and initiative to balance risks and opportunities for optimal outcomes. You should have extensive experience in positioning for large, complex bids, including strategic focus, response writing, and understanding what makes a winning bid. You may also engage with customers early to shape requirements.

The role requires accountability, influence, and timely delivery within your business area. You will demonstrate authentic leadership behaviors aligned with Airbus's leadership model, inspiring teams, setting clear expectations, fostering purpose, and promoting collaboration across bid teams, engineers, partners, and support functions.

What's in it for you:

• Financial Rewards: Competitive salary, profit sharing, pension, share options, car scheme, onsite parking, season ticket loan, tech schemes, shopping discounts, and more.

• Work/Life Balance: 37-hour week, flexible hours, hybrid work, additional TOIL days, holiday options.

• Personal Development: Custom development plans, Airbus Leadership University, extensive e-learning, international mobility.

• Health & Wellbeing: Online GP, mental health support, insurance, cycle-to-work, onsite amenities, lunchtime Pilates (Portsmouth).

• Family & Caregiving: Life insurance, enhanced parental leave benefits.

• Inclusive Environment: Wellbeing and multi-faith rooms, employee groups for diversity and inclusion.

Our world is changing, and so are we. From zero-carbon flight initiatives to space sustainability, sustainability is core to our purpose. Join us in making your next change.

This role focuses on leadership in winning new business, managing, motivating, and engaging the Solutions Development team to deliver compliant and competitive solutions for Space Digital UK bids.

How you will contribute:

• Manage direct team(s) in line with Airbus leadership principles.
• Engage, develop, and motivate teams using HR processes and development tools.
• Foster a trustful, inclusive, collaborative environment that encourages fact-based decision-making.
• Ensure deliverables meet quality, cost, and time targets, escalating risks and opportunities as needed.
• Promote innovation and continuous improvement, eliminating non-value-adding activities.
• Secure short, mid, and long-term business growth, enhancing Airbus profitability.

Your skills:

• Experience leading major bid processes in competitive environments
• Knowledge of the Defence sector
• Knowledge of the Space sector (desirable)
• People management skills
• Commercial acumen

We support your personal growth with tailored development solutions, including flexible working arrangements. Please discuss any needs during the interview process. We are committed to diversity and inclusion, making reasonable adjustments for applicants with disabilities, and promoting equal opportunity employment.

By applying, you consent to Airbus processing your data for recruitment purposes. We value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds, without asking for monetary contributions during recruitment. We support flexible working to foster innovation.