Job Description

If you'd like to be considered for this opportunity we encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment as if applications are high the role will close before the closing date given.
We are seeking a visionary and strategic leader to join our Senior Leadership Team within the COO organisation as Future Capability Director. This pivotal role is responsible for shaping and delivering the long-term capability required for the production, surveillance, and upgrade of nuclear warheads--ensuring alignment with Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO) objectives to maintain a minimum, credible, and independent deterrent.
Who are we looking for?
We're looking for a strategic leader with deep expertise in future capability planning and a proven ability to deliver complex, integrated programmes. You'll have a strong track record of engaging and influencing senior stakeholders across defence, government, and regulatory bodies.
You'll be a confident communicator who inspires collaboration, motivates teams, and drives alignment across diverse functions. Your leadership style is inclusive and visionary--able to anticipate challenges, navigate change, and deliver sustainable solutions.
You'll bring:Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing skills. Strong business, financial, and commercial acumen with a global outlook. The ability to lead through complexity and ambiguity. A commitment to ethical integrity and professional standards, even under pressure. A mindset that challenges the status quo to drive innovation and ambition.

We do need you to have the following:Working knowledge of relevant Licence Conditions, Environmental Permitting Regulations, and other relevant legislation. Significant experience working with regulators, consenting authorities, international partners and other government departments, including the Cabinet Office and Treasury In-depth understanding of large scale, complex technical Programmes in a nuclear regulated /defence, high hazard environment. Experience in establishing and maintaining effective governance, risk management, and reporting mechanisms for a large-scale programme or work. Experience of adding value by making strategic relationship connections, sharing learning and creating benefits from identifying synergies which reduce delivery risks and expose opportunities. Evidence of engaging with industry and having expertise in the supply market, including construction. Experience in securing funding and budget management. Experience leading and driving performance in a matrix model

Whilst not to be considered a tick list, we'd like you to have experience in some of the following:The ability to integrate and lead complex programmes, anticipating change barriers and ways to overcome them. High levels of business, financial and commercial acumen, taking a global perspective when developing and proposing solutions. Robust judgment and the ability to seek and challenge information to reach and make decisions. People leadership and experience in developing a high-performance culture that is action-orientated, output-focused and where the people are highly motivated and engaged and leading in a way which enables the line/task manager role to be a success. Experienced in providing mentoring, coaching and personal development in support of the wider team and in conjunction with other senior leaders.

You will need to be willing and able to obtain and maintain the security clearance required for the role and in addition, be able to travel across the UK and overseas to fulfil the requirements of the role Due to the classified nature of the work involved, there are limited opportunities to work from home in this role. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will spend much of their time working on site at AWE.

Important things you need to know:We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes. We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process. Our director level interviews typically take place in person.

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Next steps:
Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don't always 'tick every box'. That's why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don't meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we'd love to receive your application.
Important things you need to know:We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes. You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV. We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process. Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.

Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions.
Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.