Deputy Head of ISR

Title: Deputy Head of ISR

Reports to: Head of ISR

Work Arrangement: London Hybrid with domestic and international travel as required

Company Overview
Metrea is a defense company dedicated to translating commercial innovation into solutions for the hardest problems in national security. With deep mission expertise, Metrea focuses on delivering effects-as-a-service across Aerospace, Electromagnetic & Cyber, Digital & Synthetic domains via its capability groups. Metrea also consists of six support groups (Operations, People, Finance, Legal, Strategy and Solutions) that guide the development of specific capabilities that Metrea's files (product, projects, programs etc ) leverage to achieve their targets.

Group Overview

Special Air Missions Group (SAM) is responsible for developing and delivering Metrea's Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Special Mobility, and Aerial Firefighting (AFF) capabilities. SAM oversees the integration of new mission systems, ensuring operational readiness across specialized aviation operations. It manages fleet maintenance, regulatory compliance, and strategic partnerships to enhance mission effectiveness. By consolidating expertise and infrastructure, SAM ensures Metrea's airborne capabilities remain adaptable and mission-ready across dynamic operational environments.

Position Summary

The Deputy Head of ISR is a leadership role within Metrea Aviation Operations, EU's ISR team, responsible for supporting the execution and development of ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) operations. This role provides critical operational leadership, ensuring the readiness, deployment, and performance of field teams.

Working in close partnership with Special Mission Operators, Site Leads, and Mission Systems Technicians, the Deputy Head of ISR ensures high standards are consistently upheld across ISR operations. A key aspect of the role is supporting the generation of value cases for emerging mission opportunities, helping to demonstrate both operational effectiveness and financial viability.

The Deputy Head of ISR also plays an important role in the organisation's transition toward organic aviation capabilities. This includes supporting the integration of in-house technical expertise into special mission operations, driving a more agile and resilient aviation delivery model.

Role and Responsibilities

• Mission Support and Leadership . Provide line management, leadership, and support to the ISR Delivery team, including Special Mission Operators, Site Leads, and Mission Systems Technicians. Oversee the readiness and performance of delivery teams to ensure smooth execution across Metrea's European programmes . Develop and implement operational SOPs for mission delivery, tailoring them to fit the unique requirements of each project and site.
• Operational Coordination and Resource Allocation . Collaborate with the Head of ISR to plan and allocate resources across delivery sites, ensuring programmes are appropriately staffed and supported . Work closely with Project Managers and Site Leads to monitor programme needs, scaling teams and resources in response to operational demand. Serve as a liaison between delivery teams and other departments, enabling effective cross-functional collaboration and timely issue resolution .
• PED Subject Matter Expert . Act as the subject matter expert (SME) for Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination (PED), ensuring mission-collected data is accurately analysed and effectively delivered (ARC-GIS).Work closely with Metrea's Electromagnetic and Cyber Group and Special Mission Operators to continuously improve PED processes, enhancing the accuracy, relevance, and timeliness of ISR outputs.
• Contributing to Value Case Development . Support the development of value cases for new opportunities, analysing the operational feasibility and value potential of programme , supported by the Metrea Solutions and Investment teams . Provide operational insights to strengthen proposals, highlighting Metrea's European delivery capabilities and identifying areas for potential improvement.
• Transition to Organic MAFX Engineering . Partner with the Mission Systems Technicians and engineering teams to develop technical SOPs, ensuring maintenance and repair processes align with mission needs. Identify areas where European delivery can collaborate with Metrea engineering capabilities to enhance operational resilience, reducing reliance on external service providers and improving mission readiness.
• Training and Development . Oversee training programmes for personnel, ensuring team members are equipped to handle diverse mission requirements and technical challenges . Mentor Site Leads and Special Mission Operators, providing guidance on operational standards, leadership, and professional development. Develop cross-training initiatives to increase team versatility, allowing personnel to be deployed across various mission types and locations as needed .

Skills And Experience

• Strong leadership skills with experience managing cross-functional teams and complex aviation operations.
• Ability to operate in high-pressure environments, with a focus on adaptability and problem-solving.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across technical and operational teams.
• Demonstrated expertise in PED within ISR services.
• Ability to develop value cases, with an understanding of financial principles and ROI analysis.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with external stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel to mission sites as required, potentially for prolonged periods of time.
• Security clearance or ability to obtain one, due to the sensitive nature of the work.
• (Highly Desirable) Previous JTAC / JTAC-I experience and the ability to complete JALO's CCAS Accreditation process.
• (Desirable) An individual with deployed, operational experience with UK MOD and NATO special units.

Our Firmware

Metrea's single core value, "rooted in humility," is supported by four key attributes: entrepreneurial, systematic, discerning, and over-deliver. These attributes, combined, form our Teammate Firmware, our culture. We explore these attributes during the hiring process when we grow our teams and continually support the growth of our Firmware. We are a hyper-collaborative, dynamically hierarchical organization united by a passion for what we do, how we do it, who we do it with, and who we do it for.

Benefits
Private Medical Insurance

Subsided gym membership / plans through Wellhub

Electric Car scheme

Cycle to work scheme

£1500 Training Allowance

30 days annual PTO plus b/h

Right to Work

The employee will have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom and will be able to produce right to work documentation.

Equal Opportunities Statement

Metrea Management Limited (MAM) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or other characteristics protected by law.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time non-exempt position with typical working hours of Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hours and work shifts may change in accordance with department and business needs. Exempt Employees must have the ability to be on-call and available, as business needs require. Non-Exempt employees may be required to work over 37.5 hours per week with approval from the department manager.

Work Location

London (Hybrid).

Work Environment (please verify the below information)

This job operates in an office setting.

Travel

Yes.