Head of Fixed Connectivity

Job content

Head of Fixed Connectivity, Defence Digital – MoD –

SCS1* £86-000 - £117,800

Location – Corsham, with hybrid working

About MoD

The first responsibility of Government is to protect its citizens and in a changing world Defence must stay ahead of the evolving threats to our people, interests, and allies. The United Kingdom is a problem-solving and burden-sharing nation, as a global leader shaping the future international order, sustaining our strategic advantage through science and technology, and strengthening security at home and overseas.

Defence is central to the integrated approach for achieving this vision of a stronger, more prosperous, and resilient Union, creating new foundations for our prosperity and adapting to a more competitive world. With international co-operation and new technology at the heart of our approach, we will be more visible around the world; more engaged in countering threats, supporting our partners, advancing UK interests; and smarter in how we use communications and intelligence to deter our enemies.

As we modernise, now and in the future, we must grasp the opportunities of new technologies and ways of working. This will lead to changes for our people as we look to make Defence Digital one of the most exciting, educational, diverse, and fulfilling places to work.

People and Technology are at the heart of our plans for modernisation, providing the extraordinary workforce for increasingly specialist, but no less physically demanding, military operations. We will invest in those personnel – our human capital – from apprenticeships to the latest digital tools, equipping them with the skills, ways of working, benefits, and cutting-edge technology to create a modern workforce that represents the best of the society it serves.

The Role

The role of Service Executive, Head of Fixed Connectivity is crucial to providing digital strategic leadership to the delivery and through life management of one of the largest telecoms networks in Europe; the delivery of the Next Generation of Data and Voice networks (including 5G and other innovative technology); and the realisation of the Service Executive Model in Defence Digital Delivery. The role includes annual budgetary responsibility for £320m, and leadership of c.200 personnel across numerous disciplines.

MoD are seeking an accountable and visible leader who will:

• Develop, set / agree and deliver the Fixed Connectivity Strategy & Roadmap. Set policy and processes for the management and utilisation of Fixed Connectivity’s outputs and data.
• Bring up to full working order and govern a brand new, high-quality Fixed Connectivity end to end service for Defence Digital and wider Defence, and customers. Managing the risks effectively, whilst identifying and enabling opportunities for improvement and innovation.
• Manage, develop, and enhance supplier and contract relations (including legal, standards and policy assurance), replacing and improving contracts and programmes to allow for innovation and service improvement.
• Play an active role in the Delivery senior leadership team alongside a complex array of military, civil servant and public stakeholders.
• Provide effective technical network leadership, whilst managing numerous priorities including: Govern and deliver all run and change teams across Fixed Connectivity, account for numerous products and channels for current service provisions, whilst designing and delivering the future design of Fixed Connectivity.
• Ownership of risk and issues management, as well as decisions on escalations on behalf of the Director for Core Information Services.
• Drive coherence and be an active senior leader across and within Delivery. Working alongside, and leading, military and civil servant colleagues from other service executives, and taking responsibility for ensuring delivery and continual improvement of services.
• Senior stakeholder engagement: The role will work across Defence to the highest level, including Senior MoD officials (across all military services and UK Strategic Command), approvals boards, the IAC, across Government, the Treasury and Cabinet Office, as well as briefing Senior Civil Servants, Military Officials and Ministers.

The Candidate

• A strategic leader who is focused on outcomes; develops ambitious and bold visions/strategies; can prioritise and build capability in other team members.
• Where appropriate, applies an agile mindset, including appreciation for the importance of using the most appropriate delivery approach for each project or project phase.
• Capable of applying a DDaT perspective to all areas, including an understanding of user-centred design, technology and data, as well as the range of available technology choices while making decisions based on strategic user need and value for money.
• Understands the variety and complexities of digital contexts within Defence and can design large complex services to meet them.
• Understands the granularity of financial ownership in Defence including prioritised spending based on ROI, value added and risk mitigation experience.
• Understands and looks for the best commercial construct to deliver efficient and timely routes to market and can manage and engage with commercial staff to achieve these outcomes.
• Is curious and looks to develop and improve every day, keeping abreast of the best and new ways of working. Capable of implementing new/best practices to Service and Product development
• A problem solver who can anticipate, take ownership, prioritise and resolve problems and risks at the right time, while not being afraid to make decisions

Domain Knowledge & Experience:

• Extensive experience of leading connectivity programmes and services and/or implementation of new networks within complex environments.
• Experience in procurement of multi-million-pound services or equipment.
• Experience of leading significant change whilst maintaining business as usual activities.
• Understanding of Government acquisition, Treasury rules and how Government commercial services works
• Experience of leading a mixed discipline team with both technical and strategic awareness, empowering all team members to achieve shared aims.
• Understanding of the nuances of Fixed Connectivity in Defence and elsewhere.

The role sits within the Core Information Services directorate, one of two 2* directorates that form the Delivery Directorate within Service Delivery and Operations, and reports to the Director for Core Information Services. This is one of eight Service Executive roles in Defence Digital. While SC / DV clearance is not a pre-requisite, you will be required to undertake security vetting if appointed.

To access the ‘Disability Confident Scheme’ and ‘Great Place to Work for Veterans’ forms please click here. Please return any completed forms to matthew.cockbill@berwickpartners.co.uk

For an informal and confidential discussion, please speak with our advisors at Berwick Partners.

Matt Cockbill

Partner

matthew.cockbill@berwickpartners.co.uk

Closing date for applications: 02.12.2022