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Job Of The Week!
Programme Manager (Military/Defence)
Salary: £70000 to £70000 Location: Wokingham
Job Description:
We are a multibillion-dollar specialist Aerospace and Defence company who have been providing the Ministries of Defence, integrators, aircraft manufacturers and airlines with a wide range of advanced aviation solutions for over 60 years. We’re driving the industry forward through technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for global aerospace and defence. Every day we imagine ways to make the skies and the spaces we touch smarter, safer and more amazing than ever. Together we chart new journeys, reunite families, protect nations and save lives. And we do it all with some of the greatest talent this industry has to offer. We are looking to recruit an experienced program manager to work within the Europe/Middle East International Integrated Solutions (IIS) Value Stream. You will be responsible for leading allocated GJFS programmes and will carry full Value Stream Management (VSM). Key responsibilities include: * Pursuit leadership through to contract award in conjunction with our Sales and Marketing groups. * Complete execution to a contract that may include delivery of materials (software and hardware) and associated services.
* Management of transition of programmes to a support & service phase, led by other divisions.
* In particular, the post requires the leadership, planning, organisation, direction and coordination of programme management activities and functional departmental activities in multiple locations and its various suppliers and customers.
* The development of new business in conjunction with our Sales and Marketing groups and the achievement of on-time and on-budget execution in an ethical and professional manner. Due to the nature of the work carried out at this site, you MUST be eligible for Security Clearance (British Passport holder) and have previous experience of scheduling with Integrated Master Schedules/GANTT systems within the defence industry in order to be considered for this position. Skills and experience required: Essential
* Substantial project management experience
* Understanding of project management disciplines and their application
* Risk management, mitigation and costing methodologies * Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) * Scheduling with Integrated Master Schedules/GANTT systems
* Key artefacts to define the project (PMP) * Proficiency with Earned Value metrics, their derivation and interpretation * Appreciation of customer needs and relationships with ability to lead the customer community * Able to undertake international travel as required
* Good knowledge of company procedures and processes typical for the sector
* Proven track record in delivering against business objectives
* Fluent in business English
* Experience in the defence industry as a supplier to government customers
* No known impediment to gaining/maintaining clearance within regional market.
* Fluent with Microsoft Project and other Microsoft Office suite applications
* Understanding of business management information systems (i.e. SAP or equivalent)
* Familiarity with export rules (i.e. ITAR) and the typical types of export (i.e. TAA)
* Proven ability to lead and direct multi-disciplinary teams in a matrix environment Desirable * Strong appreciation of business practices in support of strategic planning and financial accounting actions
* Degree qualified or equivalent
* Proven and relevant technical background
* Project management qualifications (i.e. PRINCE) with PMI, APM, IPMA or equivalent We are an equal opportunities Business. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. Each company within the Planet Equity Group is a “data controller”. This means that we are responsible for deciding how we hold and use personal information about you in line with GDPR guidelines. Planet Forward Ltd.
LOCATIONS
LAND
26 Nov 20. Savback Helicopters opens in the UK. Savback Helicopters AB is pleased to be establishing a presence in the UK for the first time with the appointment of Rick Andrew as Commercial Director, effective immediately. Rick joins the family-owned business from Sloane Helicopters, the long established Robinson and Leonardo Helicopters UK sales distributor. Rick was close to the Robinson helicopter community in his former role, as sales and business development manager, working across piston and turbine markets. As well as supporting existing Savback customers, Rick will work with the team to identify new owners and opportunities. He will also represent the evolving Savback brand at European and UK shows in 2021, including Aero Expo and Private Flyer. Rick’s arrival is the first step in a wider strategic plan by the specialist, independent helicopter sales brokerage, coinciding with its 21st anniversary.
26 Nov 20. Naval Group, a world leader in naval defense announce the opening of a representation office in the Philippines to be operated in Manila. The opening signifies the first step of a long-term commitment of cooperation and partnership in developing naval capabilities for the country. Naval Group, which is based in France, is a reputable naval systems provider and integrator with a history of more than 400 years in the defense industry. Partnering with more than 50 navies around the world, Naval Group aims to bring to the Philippines its breadth of experience and unrivalled technical expertise in ships and submarines with combat systems and all critical equipment and services necessary to engage naval power in a theatre of operations.
MARITIME
23 Nov 20. Iran’s New Sea Base Warship Carries Drones. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps has unveiled an unorthodox new multirole warship that it says is armed with anti-ship and surface-to-air missiles and is capable of carrying helicopters, drones, and fast attack boats. Described by local media sources as an “oceangoing warship capable of carrying aircraft,” the Shahid Roudaki is reportedly named after an Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Navy commander who was assassinated, continuing a recent convention of naming new weapons systems after “martyrs” of this kind. Reportedly measuring 492 feet long, and with a displacement of 4,000 tons, the Shahid Roudaki is a former roll-on/roll-off ship that’s been adapted for military use. It joined the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Navy (IRGCN) fleet today in a ceremony attended by IRGC Commander Major General Hossein Salami and several senior military officials. The various weapons and other systems that are seen on the deck in pictures from the ceremony at least visually reflects the warship’s purported mission spectrum, as a multipurpose vessel for long-range operations. From bow to stern, the weapons visible on deck comprise eight anti-ship cruise missiles in four twin container launchers, six Ababil-2 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), a single Bell 412 helicopter, four speedboats, and a 3rd Khordad surface-to-air missile system on a road-mobile transport-erector-launcher plus what appears to be an associated command vehicle. Iranian media reports that the vessel is also equipped with a three-dimensional phased-array radar, plus “advanced communication systems for electronic warfare.”
The Ababil-2 UAVs, which are launched from fixed stands on the ground, are ostensibly designed for surveillance missions, but can also carry explosive warheads and function as “suicide drones.” The Ababil series, and variants and derivatives thereof, has become something of a signature weapon in various conflicts that Iran has been involved with, in recent years, including the Yemeni civil war. Iran has other types of smaller unmanned aircraft, many of which can be used as suicide drones, that it could potentially launch from this ship. Aside from these larger drones, images taken over the bow of the Shahid Roudaki reveal a pair of quadcopters, small-scale UAVs that could be used for surveillance in the vicinity of the warship, or potentially delivering lightweight weapons. (Source: UAS VISION/Twitter; The Drive)
AIR
25 Nov 20. CMV-22B comes on board CVN for the first time. The US Navy (USN) has completed the first carrier landings and take-offs of its new CMV-22B Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD) variant of the Bell-Boeing Osprey tilt-rotor. A CMV-22B from Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30 recovered to the flight deck of the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) for the first time on 20 November. Carl Vinson was underway in the Pacific at the time. A second CMV-22B operated onto Carl Vinson on 21 November. This aircraft became the first of its type to be refuelled on board a carrier.
The CMV-22B is being procured to replace the C-2A Greyhound in the COD role. The acquisition approach is based on the re-use of the MV-22B Block C air vehicle modified to integrate a series of navy-specific subsystems/requirements: an extended-range capability with aft/forward external conformal fuel tanks in wings and sponsons; a public address system for use while transporting passengers; fuel jettison capability; cargo bay and loading ramp lighting; and secure beyond-line-of-sight communications with an HF radio.
The main driver for the CMV-22B is to transport the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine – the powerplant for the US Marines Corps’ F-35B and the USN’s F-35C variants – direct from shore bases to carrier decks. Being able to put the F135 power module inside the tiltrotor is significant because the capability to transport the load internally extends the range out to 1,000 n miles. In addition, the CMV-22B will allow for direct delivery to amphibious ships as well as carriers. (Source: Jane’s)
22 Nov 20. Chinook arrival with Royal Air Force remembered. The arrival at RAF Odiham on 22nd November 1980 of the first Royal Air Force Chinook helicopter was remembered today. This significant milestone of 40 years of RAF service is being recognised by the Stations and Squadrons that operate the iconic aircraft ahead of celebrations expected in May 2021.
“For the majority of its time in Service, the Chinook has been part of the Joint Helicopter Command where its incredible capability has been in great demand, both at home and overseas. All those involved with Chinook operations, both past and present, should take great pride in what they have achieved. The Chinook will continue to be a familiar sight and sound in the years ahead and we all look forward to the next chapter in the Chinook’s illustrious history.” Air Vice-Marshal Nigel Colman, Commander, Joint Helicopter Command.
Since the Falklands War in 1982 the Chinook has been involved in every major conflict, seeing action in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Iraq and Afghanistan where it conducted the Medical Emergency Reaction Team role collecting injured personnel from the battlefield. It has also been supported numerous humanitarian missions including the Pakistan Earthquake, evacuation of British citizens from the Lebanon and the recent disaster relief in the Caribbean.
In addition to a presence in the Middle East, the RAF currently deploys the Chinook and its supporting personnel to Mali supporting the French Op BARKHANE.
“Since receiving the Chinook in 1980, its contribution to Defence has been profound. From its first deployment to the Falklands to its current operations in West Africa, the Chinook has continually delivered on operations. Offering a capability second to none, the Chinook emotes a sense of pride built on this long and illustrious history. I am privileged to fly this iconic aircraft and also command the Chinook Force – I look forward to seeing the Chinook play an equally important role as part of the next generation RAF.” Group Captain Nick Knight. Station Commander, RAF Odiham.
During its service the Chinook has been seen supporting communities all over the country, delivering aid and fuel to snowbound locations in the North of England, providing flood relief in Lincolnshire as well as protecting communities in Whaley Bridge. Over its 40 years of service the Chinook has made an immeasurable contribution to the Service and to the UK as a whole.
“It has been a privilege to help RAF Odiham look back on 40 proud years of Chinook operations. The overriding feature of this period of reflection has been the selfless dedication of the men and women who have served their country getting these magnificent helicopters into the air. Moreover, 40 years of history points to one main theme – support to the boots on the ground. We are rightly proud of our history and excited about our future, but we remain focussed on the support to our soldiers both now and in the years to come.” Wing Commander Matt Roberts, Officer Commanding 18(B) Squadron.
Developed by Boeing more than 50 years ago the H-47 Chinook has been providing reliable, medium-to-heavy lift capability for 20 defence forces around the world. Today the RAF Fleet of 60 Chinooks supports more than 450 highly skilled jobs across the UK, with Boeing engineers operating alongside the RAF on the front-line fleet as well as at Gosport and MOD Boscombe Down providing depth maintenance and upgrade programs.
“For 40 years, the Chinook has played a vital role in the UK’s defence capability supporting our people at home and abroad. We are proud to mark this anniversary in our 80 year partnership with the UK,” said Anna Keeling, managing director of Boeing Defence UK. “The Chinook is a multi-role helicopter that transports troops, defence equipment and fuel, it is also key to disaster-relief operations at home and overseas and it plays a major role during times of national crisis.” (Source: Warfare.Today/RAF)
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
21 Nov 20. US Army merges Europe and Africa commands. The U.S. Army has made the consolidation of its Europe and Africa commands official, according to a Nov. 20 statement. The new command will be called U.S. Army Europe and Africa, or by its acronym USAREUR-AF. All units assigned to U.S. Army Africa will be reassigned to USAREUR-AF. News of the consolidation and the elevation of the command to a four-star billet has been out since early last month, and the statement offers little in the way of new details. It did, however, confirm that Gen. Christopher Cavoli, who has received his fourth star, will command USAREUR-AF.
U.S. Army Africa/Southern European Task Force is now redesignated as U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa — or SETAF-AF.
The two-star general in charge of the former U.S. Army Africa will serve as commander of the task force and also USAREUR-AF’s deputy commanding general for Africa.
Maj. Gen. Andrew Rohling, who is now the SETAF-AF commander and USAREUR-AF’s deputy commander, served previously as the deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Europe under Cavoli.
“This consolidation enhances global and regional readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy,” Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy said in the statement. “The new structure will increase command and control effectiveness, flexibility and the capability to conduct large-scale, joint and multi-domain operations.”
The new four-star command “will play a vital role in supporting missions across two interconnected theaters of operation,” the statement read. “It will also enhance efficiency by streamlining the headquarters’ ability to execute functions and improving global and regional contingency response efforts.”
Another benefit to the consolidation is allowing the headquarters room to focus on strategic-level tasks. SETAF-AF and the recently reactivated V Corps will “focus on readiness and interoperability with allies and partners at the operational and tactical levels,” the statement noted.
V Corps has a rotational forward headquarters in Poznan, Poland, and, according to the statement, “will be integral to the planning and synchronization of operations in Europe.”
SETAF-AF will be responsible for Army operations and assets in Africa and Italy, and will coordinate directly with U.S. Africa Command.
U.S. Army Europe is based in Wiesbaden, Germany, and U.S. Army Africa was based in Vincenza, Italy. Based on the statement, it remains unclear whether there will be physical changes to the headquarters. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Defense News)
23 Nov 20.USAF to reorganize network, security groups under single entity. The Air Force is collapsing some of its groups within the 688th Cyberspace Wing to build a network and security operations cell. This spring, the service is conducting an experiment in which it will collapse the 690th Cyberspace Operations Group — focused on network operations — the 26th Cyber Operations Group — focused on security operations — and the 38th Cyberspace Engineering Installation Group into a single entity, according to Col. Joshua Rockhill, commander of the 26th Cyberspace Operations Group, who spoke Nov. 18 during a virtual presentation as part of an AFCEA Alamo chapter conference.
The effort aims to create a greater unity of effort between those operating the network and those defending the network, which under the previous construct fell under different groups. The better teams understand how the network is built and configured, the better they can defend it, the argument goes.
“We’re doing that not only with the legacy network today but also thinking about with an eye on the future as we build out our [IT-as-a-service] environment — through an organizing construct and interact with our industry partners that maybe providing some of those services to us,” Brig. Gen. Chad Raduege, director of cyber and information dominance at Air Combat Command, said at the same conference. “I think that that’s a direct linkage with industry.”
While the norm within the commercial world, it will be a new approach for a military entity. Lt. Gen. Timothy Haugh, commander of 16th Air Force, which oversees the 688th Cyberspace Wing, said the reorganization is designed to flatten response times to incidents.
Rockhill added that the new group will be the lead security incident integrator at the tactical level partnering with the local network defenders to ingest alerts and generate responses. He noted the idea is these responses will be automated in order to keep humans on human tasks and machines on machine tasks.
“Our sense is [the reorganization] will be a significant improvement, but the experiment will bear the out,” Rockhill said. “We think this approach across people, process and tech is going to help the 688th Cyber Wing do its part to enable a digital future.” (Source: Defense News)
25 Nov 20. North Sea US jet crash caused by ‘pilot error.’ Lt Kenneth Allen, from the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, was killed when the F-15C Eagle crashed off the East Yorkshire coast on 15 June.
The 27-year-old was on a training flight when it happened.
USAF’s Accident Investigation Board (AIB) said clouds caused “reduced visibility” and resulted in “spatial disorientation” for the pilot.
The jet crashed while flying 566 knots, about 650 miles per hour, about 74 nautical miles off Flamborough Head.
According to the AIB’s report, Lt Allen was part of a training exercise that included a total of nine F-15Cs and one F-15D, which was playing the role of adversary aircraft (AA).
There were “multiple cloud layers in the airspace” and other pilots told investigators “the horizon was difficult if not impossible to discern below 9,000ft”.
The report said Lt Allen was “fixated on acquiring the AA, either visually or with his radar, and did not monitor his aircraft altitude, airspeed, and attitude cockpit instruments”.
It said he “initiated a recovery attempt of the aircraft, but was unable to complete the recovery based upon the low altitude and speed of his descent”.
The report said there was no evidence Lt Allen had attempted to eject from the aircraft.
It added: “Airspace environmental conditions of reduced visibility and lack of a discernible horizon for the pilot resulted in his spatial disorientation.”
The report said this “substantially contributed” to the aircraft’s “undesirable low pitch, rapidly descending altitude and resulting mishap”.
Gen Jeff Harrigian, from USAF, said: “This unfortunate accident is yet another reminder of the inherent risks airmen take on a daily basis to ensure the successes of our air force.
“Lt Allen was an outstanding officer and a tremendous asset to the team. No words can compensate for such a painful and sudden loss.”
Lt Allen, known as Kage, had been stationed at Lakenheath since February.
He was the assistant chief of weapons and tactics for the 493rd Fighter Squadron.
After his death, his wife Hannah described him on Facebook as “perfect” and her “absolute best friend”. (Source: BBC)
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
24 Nov 20. Change of Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Iceland: Bryony Mathew. Dr Bryony Mathew has been appointed Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Iceland in succession to Mr Michael Nevin who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Dr Mathew will take up her appointment during August 2021.
Curriculum vitae
Full name: Bryony Mathew
Married to: Paul Mathew
Children: One daughter and one son
2020 – present
FCO, Deputy Director Operations, COVID-19 Taskforce
2019 – 2020
FCO, Head of Resourcing Strategy, Human Resources Directorate
2019
FCO, Head of Section, Greece and Cyprus, Europe Directorate
2016 – 2018
FCO, Deputy Commissioner of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) and Head of Policy Section
2013 – 2016
Phnom Penh, Deputy Head of Mission and HM Consul
2009 – 2013
Beijing, Second Secretary, Climate Change and Energy
2008
Bangalore, Head of Science and Innovation, British Trade Office
2006 – 2008
FCO, Desk Officer for EU-Africa, Africa Directorate
2005 – 2006
FCO, Desk Officer, Public Diplomacy
2005
Joined FCO
(Source: https://www.gov.uk/government)
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
23 Nov 20. Joe Biden announces top picks. President-elect Joe Biden on Monday announced members of his foreign policy and national security team, including his nominations for secretary of state, homeland security and director of national intelligence.
- Antony Blinken, Biden’s top foreign policy aide, has been picked to be secretary of state.
- Alejandro Mayorkas has been nominated to be Biden’s secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, and would be the first Latino to head the agency.
- Avril Haines, a former top CIA official and deputy national security adviser, has been nominated for director of national intelligence.
And Biden will tap former US Secretary of State John Kerry as a special presidential envoy on climate. Kerry is a champion of the Paris climate agreement, which Trump formally withdrew from. (Source: CNN)
REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS
27 Nov 20. Joint Task Force 633 welcomes new commander Major General Susan Coyle has been replaced as commander of the Australian Forces in the Middle East.
Rear Admiral Michael Rothwell, AM, has officially assumed command of all Australian Defence Force operations in the Middle East region, including oversight of nearly 900 Defence personnel.
RADM Rothwell replaced Major General Susan Coyle, CSC, DSM, as commander of Joint Task Force 633 during a ceremony at Australia’s main operating base in the Middle East on Wednesday (25 November).
“I am privileged to have been given this opportunity to lead Australia’s military and public service personnel on operations,” RADM Rothwell said.
“I look forward to building upon the significant contributions made by Major General Coyle, her predecessors, and all who have served in the Middle East region.”
The rear admiral previously served as head of information and communications technology operations within the Chief Information Officer Group.
Reflecting on her tenure as commander of Joint Task Force 633, MAJGEN Coyle noted the achievement of significant milestones, as well as her oversight of changes and challenges across the area of operations.
This included:
* the completion of Task Group Taji and air support to Operation OKRA;
* the conclusion Australia’s contribution to the Afghan National Army Officer Academy, and Train, Advise, Assist Command – South under Operation HIGHROAD;
* preparations for the drawdown of maritime commitments under Operation MANITOU; and
* the ongoing impact of COVID-19 in the region.
“I am honoured to have not only had the privilege to command Joint Task Force 633, but to have also been a witness and play a part of this extraordinary chapter in the history of Australian operations in the Middle East,” MAJGEN Coyle said. (Source: Defence Connect)
INDUSTRY
PERSONNEL
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
23 Nov 20. Science Applications International Corp. (NYSE: SAIC) announced that Bridget Chatman was named vice president of Inclusion, Diversity (I&D), and Corporate Social Responsibility effective immediately, reporting to SAIC Chief Human Resources Officer Michelle O’Hara. Chatman will lead SAIC’s I&D and corporate social responsibility initiatives, with particular focus on the company’s commitment to ensure inclusion remains an intrinsic part of its culture. Chatman joined SAIC in 2011 and most recently was the senior director of Capture Strategy and Business Development for the company’s civilian markets portfolio. In this role, she managed a portfolio worth more than $1bn and led complex captures exceeding $200m. She has been a highly respected leader, organizing high-performing technical teams to capture new business. In 2016, she received the SAIC CEO Award for Continued Customer Excellence for her exceptional mission focus and direct impact on revenue growth. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
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