Head of Future Capability - Assembly (Reading)

Join to apply for the Head of Future Capability - Assembly role at AWE5 days ago Be among the first 25 applicantsJoin to apply for the Head of Future Capability - Assembly role at AWEGet AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.If youd like to be considered for this opportunity we encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment as if applications are high the role will close before the closing date given.Have you got what it takes to succeed The following information should be read carefully by all candidates.Head of Future Capability AssemblyClosing date: 13 July 2025Location: RG7 4PR, located between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parkingPackage: Competitive leadership salary depending on experience, plus various other benefits including a 9-day working fortnight, generous holiday allowance, performance related bonus & an additional flexible benefit schemeReady to play your part?At AWE, its not just a job, its far more than that. Our shared purpose is to help keep the nation safe. Could this role be the opportunity for you to play your part?The Head of Future Capability holds strategic accountability for delivering and sustaining ensuring an enduring cutting-edge manufacturing capability aligned to the objectives of a specific Business Unit. This pivotal strategic leadership position is responsible for ensuring the long-term readiness to manufacturing capability in support of the Strategic Warhead Enterprise Plan (SWEP) and AWEs broader strategic goals.This Will InvolveAnticipate and evaluate future demands across programmes, translating them into actionable long-term capability plansCommission and integrate new or upgraded capabilities (including re-kits) into operational use, in close collaboration with the Head of OperationsLead transformation across the Business Unit, to become a modern, state-of-the-art facility with the highest safety and quality outputs and cultivating a high-performance cultureYou will be influencing across and collaborating closely with Head of Operations, Head of Integrated Planning, Estates and Liabilities, Infrastructure Projects Delivery (IPD) and the Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO) and wider defence enterprise colleagues across the functions.This is a forward-looking and influential role that requires both visionary thinking and the ability to drive delivery at scaleensuring that AWE remains prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow.Key ResponsibilitiesAccountable for leading, managing, influencing, coaching and developing a cross-functional (multi-disciplinary) matrix team who will identify solutions and correspondingly bring into service, enduring capabilitiesDrive a compliant, sustainable and modern capability through the delivery of critical transformation and improvement programmes for existing facilities/ build and implementation of new facilities for the Business Unit. This will involve:Collaborating with Infrastructure Project Delivery (IPD) and/or external suppliers to support the design, development and commissioning of new / upgraded facilities ensuring proposals show clear line of sight to the capability value stream from shorter time scales to longer 7-10-year projectBringing clarity, control, and demonstration of value-for-money to the long-term Business Unit capability investments proposals, including concept design and business case approvalWorking with the Head of Operations to stand up competent teams to receive facilities, in preparation for handover from IPD, ensuring full operational readiness and that appropriate transition plans are in placeResponsible for the requirements capture of future capability (including re-kits)Direct support for the General Manager including:Ensuring Business Unit future capabilities are cognisant of the requirements of relevant safety, health, environmental, quality and security legislationPromoting a positive safety culture, where the workforce is empowered to constructively challenge potential areas of weakness/vulnerabilityEnsuring appropriate and demonstrable governance arrangements are in place, including undertaking Deputy Local Management Safety Committee (LMSC) chairEnsuring robust data is available to report, analyse and monitor performance, identifying trends and variancesRequirementsDegree educated or similar attainment level demonstrated through experience with strong engineering knowledgeStrategic operations management experience with proven track record in designing and implementing successful large-scale complex transformation programmes e.g. multi-site/ large numbers, managing impacts on process, technology, information, governance, and people/ organisationExperience/ capability to drive modern capability through the delivery of critical improvement programmes for existing facilities/ build and implementation of new facilitiesExtensive knowledge within health, safety and securityExperience in leading amongst senior leaders, including building and maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders internally and externallyWhilst not to be considered a tick list, wed like you to have experience in some of the following:Knowledge and experience of Civil and Defence nuclear operational environmentsBroad understanding of a manufacturing and/or regulatory environmentExplosives managementRestructure buildingLead and deliver complex programmes, anticipating change barriers and ways to overcome themEstablishing and maintaining effective governance, risk management, and reporting mechanisms for a large-scale programme or workManaging budgets and resources ensuring value for money and return on investmentSound knowledge and understanding of the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in transformation and innovation and the ability to leverage them to create value and competitive advantage for the organisationHigh levels of business, financial and commercial acumen, taking a global perspective when developing and proposing solutionsYou see yourself as having a strategic and proactive approach to managing obstacles. We welcome a visionary leader with a 'growth mindset' to push the boundaries of what's possible. You'll be joining us at a pivotal time, with the chance to shape the future direction of AWE through exciting technical projects.Additional RequirementsWillingness to undertake UK and overseas travelAbility to obtain and maintain necessary security clearanceDV clearance is required for this positionNext StepsEveryone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people dont always tick every box. Thats why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you dont meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, wed love to receive your application.Important Things You Need To KnowWe encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV.We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process.Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.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 will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions.Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.Seniority levelSeniority levelNot ApplicableEmployment typeEmployment typeFull-timeJob functionJob functionManagement and ManufacturingIndustriesDefense and Space Manufacturing, Appliances, Electrical, and Electronics Manufacturing, and Oil and GasReferrals increase your chances of interviewing at AWE by 2xGet notified about new Head of Manufacturing jobs in Reading, England, United Kingdom.Oxford, England, United Kingdom 1 week agoDirector of Manufacturing Industrialisation (MAN012)Reading, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks agoHead of Production Automotive - Oxfordshire - 75kUxbridge, England, United Kingdom 3 days agoPirbright, England, United Kingdom 2 days agoOperations Director - Life Science Scale UpOxford, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks agoSlough

Created: 2025-07-15