Head of Delivery

Copello have partnered with an established defence engineering businesses in the recruitment of a Head of Delivery.

Location: Portsmouth
Contract Type: Fixed-term (24 months)

About the Role
This is a senior leadership position, responsible for overseeing end-to-end delivery across multiple functions and departments. The role demands a clear strategic vision, strong operational capabilities, and the ability to foster collaboration across multi-disciplinary teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage four core business units: Operations, Supply Chain, Design Engineering, and Project & Systems Engineering (approx. 130 team members).
• Develop and execute delivery frameworks, strategic roadmaps, and long-term resource planning.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and internal standards, while embedding a strong culture of safety, quality, and responsibility.
• Oversee multiple concurrent projects, managing dependencies, risks, and cross-functional deliverables.
• Set, monitor, and manage delivery KPIs, forecasts, and performance metrics.
• Manage budgets and financial reporting, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives to enhance delivery performance and efficiency.
• Act as a key representative to external stakeholders including clients, partners, and suppliers.
• Promote a culture of excellence, collaboration, innovation, and accountability across all delivery functions.

• Significant leadership experience in programme, operational, or functional delivery roles.
• Deep understanding of cross-functional business operations and strategic planning.
• A track record of successfully leading complex delivery environments in manufacturing or engineering.
• Strong commercial and financial skills, including risk management and budgeting.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to manage and coordinate integrated schedules, resources, and project governance.
• Demonstrated commitment to customer satisfaction, compliance, and quality assurance.
• Experience in regulated or defence-related sectors is highly advantageous.