Senior Program Manager - UxS
Location: St Athan, The Vale of Glamorgan, United Kingdom
Salary: £73,416.55 to £110,124.82 per annum
Employment type: Full-time, Permanent
At SNC Mission Systems UK we provide tailored mission systems integration and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) solutions for the UK Government and its allies.
Our unique strength is our mission partner approach delivered by people who have first-hand operational experience. We understand the challenges you face, have the know-how to overcome them and work with you to succeed.
Operating for over a decade, we deliver cutting-edge capabilities from open-source intelligence (OSINT) to uncrewed surface vessels and high-altitude one-way effectors that deliver true interoperability across all security levels. With our in-house R&D team, BabelwX®, we deliver innovation at scale and pace.
A wholly-owned subsidiary of SNC, we also leverage their extensive heritage in innovation and advanced technologies to offer solutions of the highest standard and for any circumstance – peacetime or battlefield.
The Senior Program Manager - UxS will be instrumental in leading complex unmanned systems programmes, ensuring delivery excellence, and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships. This role demands a strategic thinker with a proven track record in programme management within the Defence industry, who thrives in a collaborative environment and can manage multiple priorities with confidence and clarity.
- Lead and manage end-to-end programme delivery for unmanned systems (UxS) projects, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and client requirements.
- Develop, maintain, and communicate comprehensive programme plans, schedules, budgets, and risk management strategies.
- Coordinate cross-functional teams including engineering, operations, quality assurance, and supply chain to drive programme milestones.
- Engage with internal and external stakeholders to maintain transparency, manage expectations, and foster collaborative partnerships.
- Oversee contract compliance, ensuring deliverables meet quality standards, regulatory requirements, and customer satisfaction.
- Identify and mitigate risks proactively, implementing corrective actions to keep programmes on track.
- Mentor and develop junior programme managers and team members, promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
- Prepare and present regular programme status reports to senior leadership and external customers.
- Support business development activities by providing technical and management insights for proposals and bids.
- Proven experience (typically 7+ years) in programme management within Defence or related industries.
- Strong knowledge of unmanned systems (UxS) technologies, concepts, and industry trends.
- Demonstrable success managing complex, multi-disciplinary programmes to time, cost, and quality targets.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Familiarity with relevant regulatory and compliance frameworks applicable to defence programmes.
- Professional qualifications such as MSP, PMP, or Prince2 Practitioner are highly desirable.
- Degree-level education in Engineering, Defence Studies, Management, or a related discipline.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure, prioritising competing demands while maintaining attention to detail.
- Competitive salary package reflecting your skills and experience.
- Generous pension scheme with employer contributions.
- Annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays.
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- Access to employee assistance programmes and wellbeing initiatives.
- Supportive and inclusive working environment within a leading defence company.
- Hybrid working options available in line with company policy.
If you are a motivated Senior Program Manager with a passion for unmanned systems and delivering excellence, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role through our careers page or the job board where you found this posting.
Sierra Nevada Corporation Mission Systems UK, Ltd is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
