Evolve Dynamics – Programme Manager – sUAS News – The Business of Drones

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Evolve Dynamics as a full-time Programme Manager, based at our workshop near Farnham, Surrey.

Evolve Dynamics is at the forefront of research, design and development of next generation UAS/UAV systems for the industrial, security & defence sectors. Our mission is to develop autonomous/semi-autonomous, highly capable, and best in class UAV solutions. We design and manufacture aircraft, ground control systems, camera/additional payloads and software. Our client base has grown 500% in the last 12 months and includes police forces, the military, fire services and search & rescue teams.

We are currently looking for a Programme Manager to join our rapidly expanding business and become an integral part of our team. The Programme Manager’s goal will be to support the R&D team to ensure that all tasks are achieved in a timely and efficient manner, correctly resourced and highest quality attained.

Person Profile
● Methodical and able to work under pressure
● Demonstrate a calm and stable approach at all times
● Reliable and conscientious
● Manage own workload and tasks
● Flexible and able to manage priorities
● Trustworthy and able to handle confidential information with sensitivity
● Enjoy practical work
● Ability to identify areas for improvement
● Display a common sense and logical approach to problem solving
● Good understanding of working with people and team psychology
● High level written and verbal communication skills
Skills, Experience and Proven Track Record of:
● Managing multidisciplinary teams (direct & indirect)
● Managing multiple programmes simultaneously
● Process improvement
● Complex project delivery
● Agile project/programme management
● Iterative product development
● Project management & administrative software (Jira, YouTrack)
● Risk management
● Budgeting and financial management and controls
● Background in engineering (Electronic/Mechanical/Software)
● Dealing with high profile customers/clients
● Bonus: Background in aviation or drones or defence industry

Role

As Programme Manager, reporting directly into the Lead Programme Manager, you will coordinate, task and manage workload, scope, timescales and resources, from a project based perspective, the company’s R&D team and all projects they undertake.

By building and maintaining effective relationships with all members of the R&D team you will support them in achieving their goals and manage their time and tasks effectively in order to ensure they meet agreed deadlines.

Proactive exception handling, issue resolution and ensuring company processes are kept to, such as safety briefings, time tracking, break out meetings for ad hoc planning will also be part of the remit.
Along with management of the R&D team, you will also be responsible for analysing briefs (Tenders), writing progress reports, identifying risks, and developing work schedules. Furthermore, you should always be expanding your industry knowledge and be able to quickly identify problems, remaining accountable and reliable at all times.

Responsibilities

● Create & manage the programme strategies in line with high level business goals
● Line management & professional development of the Project Managers
● Create an environment to foster fast moving R&D projects whilst outputting quality & compliant products
● Work with the C-Suite team to create product roadmaps, cascading down business priorities & goals
● Implement best in class programme/project strategies & methodologies
● Create optimal project team structures and workflows
● Protect the business from project/delivery risks through strategic plans
● Gate-keep all new initiatives, ensuring they go through the agreed scoping process
● Suggest ways for project teams to improve output and efficiency
● Ensure all projects follow company process & workflow from initiation to delivery
● Work with the R&D team to identify and communicate risks, ensuring contingency plans are
in place as soon as possible to keep projects and tasks on track
● Ultimate responsibility for timely project completion and delivery
● Being transparent with the team about challenges, failures, and successes, flagging any issues
as they come up and without delays (so knock on effect is identified and plans are updated)
● Writing progress reports and delivering presentations to the relevant stakeholders
● Delegating tasks and achieving daily, weekly, and monthly goals

Hours

This is a full time position, based in our workshop near Farnham, Surrey. Hours are 0900 to 1730 Monday to Friday, with one hour for lunch.

Salary

A very competitive salary will be paid for the position, dependent on experience and achievements.

Benefits
● 25 holiday days annually
● Participation in company’s pension scheme through SmartPension
● Support with training including paid study days and contribution to qualifications
● Enrolment in company-wide bonus scheme
● Free snacks and drinks in the office
● Regular paid-for social events
● Evolve swag!

Find out more

Interested candidates are welcome to get in touch to arrange an informal conversation before applying. Please email careers@evolvedynamics.com referencing the job title.

How to apply

Only applications made by email will be considered. To apply, please send a copy of your CV together with a covering note describing why you would like to work for Evolve Dynamics and what makes you suitable for the role to the CEO, Mike Dewhirst, at careers@evolvedynamics.com.

The application deadline is Friday 7 June 2024.

Discover more at www.evolvedynamics.com