Key responsibilities
You will be joining the senior leadership team of the National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC) with collective responsibility for protecting UK interests in space and on Earth from relevant space-related threats, risks and hazards.
You will have lead responsibility within the UKSA and the civil-side of NSpOC for developing and running the Operations Group which owns one of our three operational pillars ALERT & ACT. This pillar delivers warnings on space threats, risks and hazards to UK space operators (private companies), UK Government Departments and Agencies and international partners. You will manage our contracted Operations, Analysis and Response Team (who operate 365 days a year to assess data from OBSERVE and ANALYSE) and translate it into actionable notifications.
You will work as one with your partners in the Ministry of Defence (responsible for military mission-sets in NSpOC) to ensure a seamless HMG approach to national security threats, risks and hazards for which NSpOC is responsible.
You will be the lead responsible officer for a budget of approximately £1.5m pa which funds the Operations, Analysis and Response Team as well as some e capability development, although major projects are handled by the Capabilities Group in NSpOC, supported by the NSpoC Programme Delivery Group, which has a budget of approximately £20m pa.
As NSpOC is a world-first capability we do not expect you to have worked within a similar organisation previously nor do we expect subject matter expertise in space domain awareness. Being able to think creatively and strategically, leading complex project delivery, having a flexible and agile approach to changing circumstances, and a strong emphasis on cross-team working and building and maintaining relationships are the most important factors for success in this role.
Set an exceptional example of how to work collaboratively and collectively with colleagues from a range of backgrounds across the UKSA, Government partners, industry and academia to deliver world-leading space protection services.
Develop and oversee operation of the civil and dual-use components of ALERT & ACT within the National Space Operations Centre involving close cooperation with the MoD and other partners.
Deliver a world-class space risks and hazards warning services to stakeholders, including refining existing services and working with the Capabilities Group to develop new products.
Lead our operational response to incidents including development of protocols, coordination across Government and the sector and the provision of expert handling advice supported by your wider NSpOC colleagues. This will include deciding if, how and when to escalate or take other action in response to space hazards.
Exercise, test and improve standard operating procedures, in conjunction with other stakeholders. This will include leading post-incident reviews to identify improvements in our processes and reporting.
Work with military counterparts to continue integrating procedures, software, hardware and teams, and expanding the civil support for military operations.
Work with the Deputy Head Capabilities and Deputy Head Programme Delivery to help manage and refine the sensor, data and analysis requirements for delivery of ALERT and ACT capabilities. Work with separate DSIT Space Domain Awareness Capability and Policy Team to help define the UK strategic approach to space.
Manage a budget of £1.5m+ utilising appropriate project, risk, monitoring and evaluation, and financial management tools.
Ensure project delivery tools are effectively used within the Operations Group to manage capabilities into operations and ensure appropriate feedback loops.
Act as part of the NSpOC senior leadership team to collectively determine the strategic direction of NSpOC including contributing to areas beyond ALERT & ACT. Provide cover for other NSpOC deputies and Head of NSpOC as required.
Represent the National Space Operations Centre and UKSA at conferences and events and internationally and in the media as applicable.
Willingly take forward any other reasonable activity in support of our mission to protect UK interests in space and on Earth from space-related threats, risks and hazards including playing an active role in any incident response. Take an active role as part of the wider UKSA leadership team to make the UKSA a great place to work.
Space is constantly changing, and the job holder will need to carefully balance the need for proportionate and appropriate procedures with flexibility and agility to ensure the UK is able to meet threats, risks and hazards as they arise.
As a line manager, you will be responsible for working with your members of staff to define their objectives, as well as managing their development and performance.
Essential Criteria:
Experience of working collectively and collaboratively with colleagues from a range of backgrounds with differing needs and requirements.
Experience of delivering multiple concurrent programmes or projects including effective budget management.
Experience of being able to work in flexible and agile style in response to a rapidly changing operational environment.
Desirable Criteria:
Experience of working with contracted teams.
Experience of software development.
Experience of working with the military.
Operations, crisis management and response experience.
Representational experience e.g. at conferences, events or in the media.
Space sector specific experience or expertise.
Knowledge of the Space Domain Awareness sector
