UK Ministry of Defence
SDA Future Programme Platform Lead
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
HMNB Clyde, Faslane, G84 0EH
Job Summary
The Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) is a 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 unparalleled strategic importance nationally and internationally, ensuring the security of the UK’s continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent (CASD), and delivering some of the most technically complex programmes in defence. At least one of four nuclear-armed submarines, supported by smaller attack submarines, is on patrol at all times: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
At the SDA, we strive to Support, Deliver and Aspire and put our values at the heart of our recruitment process. We believe that everyone should feel comfortable to be themselves and be supported to do their best work. As part of a diverse and inclusive workforce, there are many communities that you can belong to. We believe that, by celebrating different backgrounds and different perspectives, together we’ll achieve the extraordinary.
This position is advertised at 37 hours per week. Requests to work flexibly and/or part time will be considered, taking into account business needs. Please note the salary will be pro-rata where part time hours are undertaken.
The primary delivery location for this position is HMNB Clyde.
Flexible and condensed working patterns can be considered for this post but due to security constraints the role is not suitable for hybrid working. Candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before submitting an application.
Job Description
Key Aspects:
The role of Submarine Support – Future Platform Programme Lead sits within the Submarine Support Team (SMST) which integrates all submarine support functions in-service, develops and delivers the support solution and ensures the transition to operations for submarines in the acquisition phase (i.e. Dreadnought Class and SSN-A programme).
The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the integration of the Dreadnought and SSN-AUKUS Support Solution Programmes on behalf of the Head of Programme for SMST, providing leadership across a portfolio of strategically important and highly complex programmes that underpin the future operational effectiveness of UK submarines. They are accountable for integrating delivery across multiple organisations, establishing effective governance and assurance arrangements, managing programme risks and dependencies and ensuring delivery of agreed benefits and operational outcomes. Working across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, the post-holder will lead the transition to support capability from acquisition to in-service operation, assuring that infrastructure, support systems, maintenance strategies, training, logistics, technical authorities and operational readiness arrangements are delivered in a coherent and affordable manner. The role requires senior engagement with Military, Civil Service and Industry leaders and is accountable for providing evidence-based assurance that Defence is prepared to operate and sustain Dreadnought and SSN-A submarines through-life.
The role is based at HMNB Clyde, recognising that this is where key elements of the support solution will be delivered and realised. Regular travel across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, including HMNB Devonport, Bristol, Barrow and key industry locations, will be required to lead delivery and maintain effective stakeholder engagement.
The Successful Candidate Will Handle Four Key Areas Of Delivery (below), Although It Should Be Recognised There Is An Expectation Scope May Need To Change As Programmes Mature Toward Delivery And To Align With Organisational Need:
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
- Lead the integrated Delivery of the Support Solution Programme
Lead the integrated delivery of the Dreadnought and SSN-A programme Classes Support Solution Programme, aligning people, infrastructure, engineering, logistics, training and operational readiness activities to deliver agreed capability outcomes within approved performance, time and cost parameters.
- Assure Transition to Service and Operational Readiness
Lead the transition of Dreadnought and SSN-A programme Classes into service, assuring that maintenance strategies, readiness activities, support arrangements and acceptance processes are in place to enable safe and effective operational deployment.
- Deliver Enduring Support Capability
Direct the delivery and integration of the infrastructure, support systems and enabling capabilities required to sustain Dreadnought and SSN-AUKUS throughout life, managing dependencies across HMNB Clyde, HMNB Devonport, industry partners and the wider Defence Nuclear Enterprise.
- Lead Governance, Authority Transition and Investment Approval
Lead the transfer of support, engineering, safety and equipment authority responsibilities into the in-service operating model, whilst securing approval of the future through-life support solution through delivery of the Equipment Support Programme, associated business cases and departmental approvals through to Full Business Case.
If you need to contact Defence Business Services (DBS) regarding this vacancy, please indicate that your vacancy is being handled by the SDA Recruitment Team. If you experience any technical difficulties with the CS Jobs system, please contact the Support Team at candidate@support.oleeo.com
Person specification
We are seeking a highly capable individual with experience in complex Programme Management and a knowledge of the submarine domain to operate confidently across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE). The post-holder will be responsible for managing conflicting priorities across a diverse multi-stakeholder landscape, maintaining strong relationships with MOD and Industry partners, both nationally and internationally.
For This Role We Are Seeking The Following:
- Submarine Environment: Recent experience working in the Submarine environment.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Extensive experience working within a complex stakeholder environment consisting of internal and external stakeholders, including MOD, industry partners, and international collaborators.
- Programme Delivery Expertise: Proven track record of delivering large-scale complex programmes or portfolios, ideally within defence, nuclear, or similarly regulated sectors.
- Support Management: Experience of supporting maritime vessels, ideally nuclear powered submarines, and ideally covering management of responsibilities, assets, and support arrangements.
- Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders across technical and non-technical domains.
- Team Leadership: Strong leadership with experience of leading multidisciplinary teams and managing significant budgets.
- Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across organisational boundaries, fostering a culture of shared ownership and delivery.
To be successful with your application you must demonstrate that you meet the following Essential Criteria:
- Level 7 qualification in relevant subject, or equivalent knowledge, skills or experience.
- Significant Experience in senior management in delivery environment in an Project role or associated discipline (Operational Management, Engineering, Through Life Support).
- Experience of working in the Maritime domain.
- Experience of stakeholder and relationship management.
- Experience in leading a large team.
- Experience of continuous improvement and leading a team through change.
- Experience in managing budgets, including managing approvals, monitoring actual spend and updating forecasts.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Working Together
- Delivering at Pace
- Communicating and Influencing
- Making Effective Decisions
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Leadership
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Stakeholder Management - Expert
- Setting the Project / Programme Context – Expert
- Managing Support, Supplier & Customer Networks - Practitioner
Alongside your salary of £72,300, Ministry of Defence contributes £20,945 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).
Learning and development tailored to your role An environment with flexible working options A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% Discover My Benefits: Please follow the link to visit the Discover My Benefits site which showcases the benefits and discounts offered when working as a civilian for the MOD: https://discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/civilian/
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
At the Sift Stage, Applications will be assessed against the following.
Experience:
Please outline your career history within the job history section of your application. Personal Statement - This should be a maximum of 1000 words that sets out your motivation for applying and shows how your skills and experience meet the essential and desirable requirements for the role.
Behaviours:
- Working Together - CSBC4
- Delivering at Pace - CSBC4
- Communicating and Influencing - CSBC4
- Making Effective Decisions - CSBC4
- Seeing the Big Picture - CSBC4
- Leadership - CSBC4
Technical Competencies:
- Stakeholder Management - Expert
- Setting the Project / Programme Context – Expert
- Managing Support, Supplier & Customer Networks - Practitioner
At the Interview Stage, Candidates will be assessed against the following.
Experience:
Personal Statement/ Experience - The panel will ask questions about your personal statement. Exploring your Past Experiences, Key Achievements or Qualifications.
Behaviours:
- Communicating and Influencing - CSBC4
- Making Effective Decisions - CSBC4
- Leadership - CSBC4
Technical Competencies:
- Stakeholder Management - Expert
- Setting the Project / Programme Context - Expert
The sift will be completed within 10 working days of the vacancy closing date. Interviews will be held on a date to be confirmed.
This post does not offer any assistance with Relocation Allowances.
The post does NOT offer relocation expenses
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills