Foundry Platform Manager

What if you could work with remarkable people on extraordinary things? What if the end result was something a little bit special? What if your role was mission critical?
For nearly 70 years, AWE has been at the forefront of nuclear weapons research and development. We have a critical mission: to provide the warheads for the UK’s ultimate deterrent - Trident. We also use our unique skills to provide wider UK government with counter-terrorism and nuclear threat reduction solutions.
It takes a special sort of person to work at AWE. What if that person was you?
Information Services and Security have a vital role to play in a crucial national mission. We’re here to enable the organisation to deliver through the use of technology. As AWE transforms itself to meet the needs of the UK’s next-generation nuclear deterrent, we need to adapt to deliver data-driven decision making, flexible and future-proofed IT services, adaptable cyber security, support to a multi-billion Pound building programme, and many more.
IS Modernisation’s role is to provide an integrated Information Services and Security, project and programme delivery team to deliver the right business capabilities to support AWE’s Mission Delivery. A diverse team, with roles throughout the project and programme management environment, delivering a variety of projects within the technical space. With the vision to increase the tempo of delivery without impacting on safety and security here at AWE.
AWE has successfully deployed the Foundry digital twin technology to enhance its strategic decision-making and operational forecasting. This role supports the shift from an AWE-owned supplier-operated platform to a fully AWE-owned and operated system.
The Platform Manager, reporting to the Head of Platform, will play a crucial role in defining the strategy, architecture, and technical solutions for the digital twin. This position is designed for an internal candidate with strong technical leadership and a proven record in delivering complex data programmes, potentially with experience in developing digital twin technologies
The successful candidate will ideally hold an in-depth knowledge of the AWE business model and be familiar with the functions, and their outputs
Location - Reading area.
Salary - £62,740 - £90,000
As part of our People Promise, AWE (one of the best 25 big companies to work for in the UK) has a range of benefits to suit you. These include:

• Time to recharge your batteries with 270 hours of annual leave (plus every other Friday off work)
• Consideration for flexible working arrangements so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle. Just let us know on your application if you wish to work part time
• Opportunities for Professional Career Development that include funding for the annual membership of a relevant professional body, access to mentors and training
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services
• A generous defined contribution Group Personal Pension (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your own contribution)
• Life Assurance
• Discounts - access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending
• Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring for your family
• A host of voluntary & core benefits to suit your health and wellbeing - more information available on our careers site

The Role:
Key Responsibilities:

• Technical expertise:
  • Exhibit a high level of technical acumen with knowledge across the full software stack, including coding and advanced data analytical skills.
  • Act as the internal Platform Manager, maintaining expertise in its operational and strategic capabilities either through in-house training and development or through managing a vendor-provided training programme.
• Strategic Project Management and Operational Coordination:
  • Manage the daily operations of the delivery program, including project management, execution, and coordination.
  • Assist with workflow prioritisation of workflows, showing excellent understanding of business priorities and ensuring they align with business objectives and strategic needs while balanced against resource requirements and long-term success of the project in line with AWE IS modernisation strategy.
  • Scope, plan, and deliver projects, actively participating in coding and application development to execute against these deliveries.
  • Direct the planning of the delivery program and manage multiple resources including people and budget.
  • Oversee the prioritisation of workflows, advising on technical feasibility, timelines, and delivery accountability.
• Data Governance Leadership:
  • Serve as the head of the Data Governance Panel for the platform, leading the effort to cohere data owners around compliance issues.
  • Responsible to the Head of Platform, Security, and CIO for the safe conduct of data use on the platform.
  • Assign and oversee the implementation of technical controls on the platform to ensure data security and compliance with relevant standards.
• Leadership in Technical Integration and Innovation:
  • Define and implement the platform architecture and technical integrations, ensuring alignment with AWE's business strategy and IS requirements.
  • Drive the digital twin's positioning within AWE and DNE's collaborative landscape in coordination with the AWE Architecture team and external partners like Palantir.
  • Function as a trusted advisor and platform champion, maximising business benefits and enhancing user awareness.
• Team Development and Training:
  • Identify, hire, and train platform engineers and developers to support business SMEs in creating new products and workflows.
  • Develop and sustain the internal operating model to support the enduring presence of the digital twin technology at AWE and in the DNE.
  • Manage performance, behaviour, and training of employees and contractors engaged in delivery activities.
  • Conduct and coordinate comprehensive training programs across the enterprise, ensuring all users and team members are proficient in using the platform and understanding its capabilities.

Accountabilities:

• Ensure the delivery of the IS Capability delivery program to time, cost, and quality standards.
• Lead the Capability Delivery Programme, defining strategic milestones and operational priorities.
• Manage budget forecasting and changes in accordance with AWE policies and governance.
• Maintain high personal standards in environment, safety, health, security, and quality.

The Candidate:

• Experience in managing a mixed team of operations, technical and supporting staff - Desirable
• A solid understanding of programming skills - Desirable
• A good understanding of the AWE business and its objectives and issues - Essential
• Hands-on experience with Foundry or a similar digital twin platform - Desirable

All Candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role.
Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.
Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide us will be used to encourage and support you through the application process and will be held only for this purpose in accordance with GDPR.