AIX Group Head RCO - MoD - G6

The Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO) champions innovative research and experimentation to push the boundaries of performance for capability delivery. It specialises in high-risk, complex, and co-operative programmes that deliver novel capability to the front line. Its work de-risks entry into service of both physical equipment and data-centric capabilities and is carried out in concert with other parts of the RAF, UK Defence, Allies and Partners. 

The AiX (Air Innovation and Experimentation) Group is based in Cody Technology Park in Farnborough and is one of 6 groups that make up the RCO. Its focus is Air Command and Control (Air C2) and Air Mission Data programmes/projects, critical to the future of Air C2 and the exploitation of the RAF’s platforms and information. 

The AiX Group programme includes ~20 different highly complex projects (due to levels of uncertainty, technically complexity, dependency management and wide range of stakeholders).

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

As AiX Group Head you will be responsible for leading the programme management activities within the Group and for the successful delivery of the required outcomes, including the establishment of appropriate governance and assurance, monitoring progress, and managing risks and issues.

You will also hold the responsibility of Chief Engineer (attracting the MoD Digital Skills Allowance) for NEXUS, the Air C2 data platform.

Stakeholder engagement is critical, and you will engage with industry and international partners at 1*/SCS level, in particular with the USAF/DoD to help ensure coherence and interoperability with their Air Battle Management capability development.

You will be supported by a team of 14 personnel for which the post holds leadership and managerial responsibility.

Responsibilities:

• Leading the successful delivery of AiX projects; maintaining the overall integrity and coherence of programme and governance framework to support each project.
• Maintaining Group coherence with the RCO portfolio to ensure AiX activity aligns with 1*/SCS priorities and direction, the Air Cap Management Plan, wider Defence innovation, and other TLB activity.
• Managing programme and project risks and issues, regularly agreeing risk boundaries with sponsors and external stakeholders (1*/SCS and above) and ensuring mitigations are in place.
• Securing the necessary resources and directing the prioritisation/planning of projects to meet required outcomes.
• Identifying and managing stakeholder relationships across AIR, wider Defence and external (e.g. USAF) at G6/SCS/1* level.
• Acting as the focal point for, and leading engagement with, RAF Digital. Actively managing dependencies between all parties.
• Supervising all trials and experimentation activity ensuring regulatory standards and procedures are adhered to, including MoD standards and Air Command and Control procedures (set and agreed by both MoD and DoD).Leading, managing, mentoring,
• Leading and developing a diverse multi-disciplinary ‘whole-force’ group of 14 personnel consisting of Mil, CS, Dstl, contractors, and Industry embeds.
• Representing Hd RCO and deputising for Dep Hd RCO when required in their absence.

 As Chief Engineer and lead technical architect for NEXUS, you will be responsible for:

•    Design Responsibility of NEXUS.
•    Engineering Delivery of NEXUS products and artefacts to the SRO (Senior Responsible Owner).
•    Functional Governance of engineering efforts within the NEXUS portfolio.

More details about the Programme Delivery Manager and Lead Technical Architect roles can be found on our Government Digital and Data Capability Framework:

Programme delivery manager - Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework

Technical architect - Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework

Person specification

We are looking for an ambitious, motivated, and confident leader with a strong customer-centric approach. You will be a strategic thinker who can understand and anticipate customer needs and issues and is able to articulate them clearly and concisely to drive effective solutions.

Passionate about maintaining high standards, you’ll ensure quality is always a priority by guiding teams to adopt and implement best practices.

When submitting your CV, please highlight your career history and experience relevant to this role. Additionally, refer to the "Things You Need to Know" section of the advert and provide a personal statement (max. 1250 words) demonstrating the essential criteria listed below: 

Demonstrate an advanced understanding of design, technology, and data principles including:

• Air C2, Computer Programming, High Power Compute, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence.
• Experience of leading large diverse teams, collaboration, influencing and stakeholder management skills.

Proven successful programme management delivery experience throughout the project lifecycle including:

• Requirements management and solution development.
• Business case development and approvals.
• Financial management.

 Please Note:

**Due to security and information access restrictions, this role is open to a sole UK BRITISH National only**

To be appointed, successful candidates must meet the security requirements. Our thorough vetting process can take several months to complete. This vacancy is open exclusively to UK nationals, and the required security level is Developed Vetting.

A valid passport is essential for this role due to the necessity of overseas travel for face-to-face engagement with partners. Consequently, this role requires out-of-hours working to accommodate partners in different time zones. Additionally, a full UK Driving Licence is required for regular travel to Defence sites, many of which are remote and not easily accessible by public transport.

 Licences:

 Full UK Driving Licence

Essential Skills & Experience:

 An advanced understanding of design, technology, and data principles including:

• Air C2, Computer Programming, High Power Compute, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence.
• Experience of leading large diverse teams, collaboration, influencing and stakeholder management skills.

 Proven successful programme management delivery experience throughout the project lifecycle including:

• Requirements management and solution development.
• Business case development and approvals.
• Financial management.
• Navigating commercial frameworks.

 Desirable Experience:

• Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).
• Command Acquisition and Support Plans (CASPs).
• Intellectual Property.
• ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations).
• Innovation / Low Technology Readiness Level programme/project experience.

 Qualifications:

 Essential: 

•  Computer Science/ICT education to first degree level.

 Desirable:

• Computer Science/ICT education to post first degree level.
• Chartered Engineer.
• Managing Successful Programmes (MSP).
• Project Leadership Programme (PLP).

Licences

Full UK Driving Licence

Qualifications

Computer Science/ICT education to first degree level

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Changing and Improving
• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Making architectural decisions
• Technical design throughout the life cycle