Head Of Business Operations - Warhead

AWE are at the start of a once-in-a-generation programme to design and produce a replacement warhead for the UK's continuous at sea deterrent. As such, we are looking for a Head of Business Change - Warhead. This position will be part of the P3M Leadership team. It's an exciting time to join us at AWE - following the Parliamentary announcement, the Replacement Warhead Programme was initiated. In this role, you will have the opportunity to contribute to what is a once in a generation endeavour for AWE and the UK.
The Head of Business Operations - Warhead reports directly to and is accountable to the Programme Director for leading the matrix organisation. The role is responsible for the smooth and efficient running of and leadership for a multi-disciplinary programme office team for the Replacement Warhead (RW) Programme. The Head of Business Operations - Warhead will deliver a service to the highly complex major programme and its constituent projects to provide the insights to make timely and effective decisions that deliver the benefits, outcomes, schedule, cost and quality required.
Location - Reading / Basingstoke area
Package - Competitive leadership salary depending on experience, performance related bonus, flexible benefit scheme.
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.Opportunities for Professional Career Development that include funding for the annual membership of a relevant professional body, access to mentors and trainingEmployee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health ServicesA generous defined contribution Group Personal Pension (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your own contribution)Life AssuranceDiscounts - access to savings on a wide range of everyday spendingSpecial Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring for your familyA host of voluntary & core benefits to suit your health and wellbeing - more information available on our careers site
What will you be required to do?
Accountable to the RW Programme Director for providing strategic operational leadership of the Programme Office within RW ProgrammeEnable efficient and effective Programme Office capabilities of PMO specialisms, e.g. planning, risk, cost management, configuration, change, reporting, resourcing, Strategic Workforce Planning, functional engagement and outcome management, knowledge transfer management, RW programme IT servicesIdentify and encourage continuous improvement and innovation such that the RW programme shares and applies best practice with the AWE ePMO for wider business benefitEnsure effective resource management of Programme Office staff are deployed across RW programme, including ensuring optimum supply practices, organisational design, talent management, development and associated programme Gate Review assurance and governance arrangementsProvide leadership on the management of the PMO industry relationships with AWE's key stakeholders to ensure that key strategic alignment is achievedFacilitate business discussions between functions, sub-functions and the supply chain to drive resource prioritisation decisionsDesign, publish and drive an RW Programme Office strategy to ensure that RW are data enabled to make data driven decisions.
Whilst not to be considered a check list, candidates should be able to demonstrate some of the following:
Educated to degree level or equivalent experienceProfessional Qualification in Project Management, Project Controls or Risk ManagementExcellent communications skills - able to inspire, motivate and engage widely across the businessExtensive Change management skillsExcellent interpersonal, negotiation and organisational skillsStrong analytical skills and data manipulationAbility to manage and interpret information, seek advice, and make timely and appropriate decisions. Strong leadership skills in driving high performanceKnowledge of the external marketplace and development outside of AWE and its influence and impact on the ProgrammeExperience of leading a complex product delivery programme/project officeExperience in leading team performance and delivery, effectively assigning and organising workloads appropriately to manage delivery within legislative requirements, code of practice recommendations and company expectationsKnowledge of the regulatory bodies that deal with AWE and the relevant processes that need to be adhered to
Closing date - 18/12/23 with interviews taking place in January.
All candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role.