Thank you for considering the London-based position of Air and Weapons Systems Programme Manager – Saudi Armed Forces Projects (MODSAP) organisation.

MODSAP is a unique and exciting environment in which to work, and forms a crucial part of the strategic defence relationship between the UK and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We want your experience with MODSAP to set the standards for your future career.

You will be joining MODSAP at a key juncture in the UK-Saudi relationship with Saudi Arabia undertaking an unprecedented programme of societal reforms, while facing continuing challenges to regional and national security. Consequently, Saudi Arabia faces strategic challenges as it seeks to develop its industrial and defence capabilities against a backdrop of an unstable region and increasing external scrutiny of its decisions and behaviours. Nevertheless, UK defence, security and prosperity interests in Saudi Arabia remain substantial.

The UK has a longstanding bilateral relationship with Saudi Arabia which currently accounts for over a third of all defence exports from the UK, with MODSAP playing a key role overseeing delivery of services worth billions of pounds to the UK economy. It is a large, challenging and complex programme of work that has been running for over 30 years and it is on these foundations that we must build – central to this is our strategy for the 2020s and beyond to capitalise upon the significant future opportunities within the defence and security relationship of both countries.

You will be supported by a diverse and high performing team, supported by a senior management team who are committed to developing MODSAP as a great place to work, where staff are respected, valued and fairly rewarded for their contribution to the successful achievement of our common mission, where we also seek to nurture your skillsets, expanding on those where possible and broadening your horizons for the future.

This position is advertised at 36/37 hours per week Tacos Dependant.

The post holder will support the project management of ongoing Air Systems, Electronic Warfare (EW) and Complex Weapons projects within MODSAP, whilst acting as the focal point for the delivery of Complex and Air-to-Air weapons through life management.

This will be achieved by the job holder being the UK MOD project focal point for the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF). This will involve monitoring the performance of BAE Systems the Prime Contractor (PC) and their sub-contractors through the maintenance and execution of Systems programmes. This will involve assuring safety and project management approaches as appropriate and valid, using UK MOD best practice & process as a suitable benchmark.

The role provides an outstanding opportunity to exercise engineering project management skills, contributing to multiple programmes whilst taking ownership of the RSAF Meteor and IRIS-T Air-to-Air missile programmes. The job holder will also have considerable opportunity to develop their knowledge of Air, EW and Complex Weapons systems. The role will also include support to commercial and policy tasks.

This role will include a diverse mix of policy, diplomacy, project management & engineering. The role provides regular opportunities for overseas travel, primarily to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), to progress programme aims, form strong working relationships with the RSAF and KSA-based MODSAP colleagues, and collaborate with BAE Systems personnel. This role therefore represents an opportunity to experience a modernising and liberalising Middle Eastern culture at a key point in its history. The role will also require travel to Industry sites across the UK & Western Europe.

The role requires the job holder to advise, assist and assure on behalf of the RSAF, holding the Prime Contractor to agreed standards. There are also national security and international considerations to the role understanding the intricacies of UK, US and Western European security and defence policies regarding the Middle East as a region.

Line management responsibilities as required.

Functional Experience - Essential

• Experience of working in an air domain support, air weapons support or project delivery environment.
• Engineering or relevant Science degree (BEng/BSc)

Functional Experience - Desirable

• Experience of working in an airworthiness, electronic warfare or weapons safety role.

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

• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

The post does not offer relocation expenses (move of home, excess fares or temporary transfer). Non Standard move applicants will be eligible for the full package, subject to eligibility.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six month probation period.

Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

Please note: Interview travel expenses will not be reimbursed.

Posts based in London will attract the relevant London weighting

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment by 31st December 2022. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

Job contact :

Name :
Wg Cdr Chris Higgins
Email :
Chris.Higgins434@dgsap.mod.uk

Recruitment team :

Email :
DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk