Director of Operations

Responsibilities include leading development and deployment of SkyGuardian Global Sustainment Solutions (SGSS) in the UK and establishment and operations of the Protector program training services as instituted at the RAF Waddington International Training Center. This is a customer facing leadership position requiring an understanding of procurement, production, delivery, sustainment, operations, and contractual obligations between the RAF and GA-ASI. Requires a thorough understanding of company and customer motivations and concerns. Evaluating and resolving difficult problems is a key element of this position. Typically accomplishes objectives through communication between and among various customer and company organizations and stakeholders.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure delivery of world-class SGSS support and training to UK Protector operations, enabling the RAF to meet very high readiness commitments, and to deploy and succeed on UK and global RPAS operations.
• Lead and motivate GA-ASI and sub-contracted personnel to deliver excellence in Protector training and support.
• Lead delivery of multinational training at RAF Waddington for air and ground crew personnel and ensure international students are fully integrated into RAF Waddington from a duty of care perspective.
• Lead GA-ASI support to the RAF’s development of an ISR Center of Excellence based at RAF Waddington.
• Identify program issues and provide leadership support in developing solutions such as re-allocation of resources or modifying contract specifications.
• Promote/Enhance GA-ASI’s reputation as an innovative industry supplier and trusted partner.
• Lead GA-ASI engagements on performance reviews relating to the delivery of contracted operations with the MOD RPAS Delivery Team, DE&S, Abbeywood.
• Influence contract acquisitions, negotiations, and modifications.
• Influence the decisions of senior leaders both within and outside the company on significant matters. Represent the organization in relations with customers, and business and non-business communities.
• Support effective delivery and integration of enhancements to UK Protector capability.
• Support the development of new business opportunities and expansion of existing business opportunities.
• Participate with Group management in pursuing business partnerships, alliances, and joint ventures that enhance the capabilities of the Group/Company, and which may result in new products, programs, and business opportunities.
• Ensure the security of proprietary technology and maintain the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Responsible for ensuring all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations are observed wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
• Responsible for ensuring work is accomplished in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
• Work in tandem with RAF personnel and industry partners to engage with local educational and youth communities to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics to encourage participation with and recruitment in Defence roles and industry.
• Assist with development and maintenance of documented UK specific trade controls compliance processes, procedures and work instructions.
• Supports application for and management of UK import and export authorizations.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Typically requires a Masters or PhD in engineering, science, or a related technical field as well as fifteen or more years of progressively complex program administration experience with at least eleven of those years managing programs. May substitute equivalent experience in lieu of education.
• Demonstrates detailed and extensive technical expertise and application of program management principles, concepts, and practice as well as comprehensive program management and leadership skills including organizing, planning, scheduling, and coordinating workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones.
• Must possess demonstrated experience and knowledge of UK ISTAR Force organization and operational capabilities.
• Strong communication, leadership, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required to enable an effective interface with other departments, all levels of management, professional and support staff, customers, potential customers, and government representatives.
• Must be able to achieve and retain a NATO Secret security clearance.
• Experience with UK and foreign trade controls compliance requirements preferred.