Head of Communications Programmes

Head of Communications Programmes – Senior leadership role at STS Defence responsible for delivering a portfolio of secure communications projects covering RF, data, encrypted systems and advanced technologies across multiple programmes.

The role leads a multi‑disciplinary programme organisation, ensuring delivery excellence, strict adherence to security and accreditation requirements, and alignment with STS Defence’s strategic objectives. Reporting to the Programmes Director, the postholder shapes strategy, drives operational performance and maintains relationships with MoD and other stakeholders.

• Provide leadership and oversight for secure communications programmes, including RF and data‑centric systems
• Manage, mentor and develop a team of project managers, ensuring high performance and effective resource allocation
• Drive programme planning, execution, tracking and reporting in alignment with MoD requirements and internal governance
• Act as the primary escalation point for programme‑level risks, issues and dependencies, ensuring mitigation plans are implemented
• Engage directly with MoD stakeholders, industry partners and internal technical teams for clear communication and alignment of objectives
• Ensure compliance with all security policies, accreditation requirements and government‑mandated protocols for classified projects
• Manage programme budgets, schedules, commercial obligations and performance metrics to ensure delivery within agreed parameters
• Oversee integration of new technologies, engineering changes and system upgrades across programme phases
• Support bid activity, proposal development and strategic planning for future secure communications programmes
• Promote a culture of safety, security, continuous improvement and high‑quality delivery across all programme teams

• Proven experience delivering complex defence, secure communications, RF or data‑based programmes
• Strong leadership skills and ability to manage multiple project managers in a high‑pressure environment
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills with experience interfacing at senior levels within the MoD or equivalent organisations
• In‑depth understanding of RF systems, secure communication technologies and/or classified data networks
• Demonstrated experience in programme governance, risk management, cost control and schedule management
• Excellent communication, negotiation and decision‑making skills
• Ability to operate effectively within a highly regulated, security‑sensitive environment
• Solid understanding of defence contracting, engineering lifecycle processes and systems integration

• Extensive experience in defence sector programme management, ideally within secure communications or related systems
• Demonstrated ability to oversee multiple complex projects simultaneously
• Experience managing geographically dispersed or multi‑disciplinary teams
• Eligibility for, and willingness to maintain, high‑level UK security clearance (DV preferred / mandatory)
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of MoD procurement frameworks
• Degree in Engineering, Communications Technology, Defence Studies, Programme Management or a related technical discipline (or equivalent experience)
• Professional project or programme management certification (e.g., APM, MSP, PRINCE2) preferred

SECURITY – All candidates must be in a position to obtain UK security clearance to SC level. Additional restrictions may apply on certain defence programmes. UKSV National Security Vetting Solution: guidance for applicants –  ()

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