The Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) is an Executive Agency of the Ministry of Defence responsible for the procurement and support of the UK’s nuclear submarines. Our work is of unparalleled strategic importance nationally and internationally, ensuring the security of the UK’s continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent. As the organisation responsible for this substantial and wide-ranging programme of work, we are accountable to the MoD for the procurement of the new Dreadnought and Astute Class submarines and to the Royal Navy for in-service support provision. We employ approximately 1500 highly qualified professionals with significant subject matter expertise and annual spend of c.£3.5 billion.

Formed in April 2018 we are on our way to becoming a high-performing organisation, bringing together existing expertise with heightened managerial, commercial and procurement capability to ensure excellence and cost-efficient delivery of the UK’s nuclear submarine assets for decades to come. We are committed to employing the best people and improving the diversity of our workforce.
Further information on the SDA’s Corporate Plan can be found via this link.

The Role

The Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE) ensures that the cornerstone of the UK’s national security, the Continuous At Sea Deterrent, is provided to the nation. We deliver the most sensitive and complex programmes in Defence. From the design and build of new nuclear-powered submarines to maintaining the availability of the Royal Navy’s operational fleet and working with Allies, the security challenges are amongst some of the greatest – and most rewarding – we face.

The role of Head Information, Security & Resilience is complex and vital within the Submarine Delivery Agency. You will hold a pivotal post, establishing an effective enterprise information architecture, information governance regime and the provision of IT services, as well as ensuring the provision of security and business resilience in the SDA.

The Head Information, Security & Resilience is responsible to the SDA CEO, via the Director Corporate Operations, for ensuring the SDA is a secure and resilient organisation in line with Departmental policy as set out in MOD Joint Service Publications. They are also responsible for the delivery of security and accommodation policies, processes and activities in the SDA, including information security. This is a key enabler to delivering the programme outputs of all acquisition and support of submarines and achieving departmental Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The role includes management and leadership of a direct team to deliver these responsibilities, with an overall multi-disciplined team of around 40 located principally in Bristol.

Responsibilities

The following responsibilities, whilst not an exhaustive list, are required for successful execution of the role:

• Establishing and delivering policy and arrangements in the SDA to support security and business resilience
• Working with the relevant Principal Security Advisers, providing security advice and assurance to the SDA and Nuclear Duty Holders, coordinating acquisition project security and delivering security governance
• Acting as SDA Security Champion, delivering the SDA elements of the Security Culture Improvement Programme
• Delivering the DNE’s information strategy and governance regime across the Submarine Delivery Agency and industry partners
• Negotiating the SDA Information Services Plan, managing Defence Digital performance outputs and attendance at the 1* Defence Digital Customer Board.
• Delivering information security, assurance and risk management requirements across the SDA, delivery and international partners
• Delivering IT solutions across the SDA and industry partners to meet the information management strategy, including implementing relevant elements of the Nuclear Enterprise Information Architecture within the SDA and its industry partners
• Management of assets subject to special controls (ASSC). Understanding and advising on export controls policy and law. Chairing the Industry Stakeholder Group for ASSC, mitigating risks of handling other nations’ information.
• Responsibility for the smooth interaction of MODNET (MoD Network) with DNE-specific IT systems within the SDA (including Classified Nuclear Network) and the Maritime Collaborative Working Environment.
• Shaping and driving the work of the Security Committee, accountable to SDA Director Corporate Operations (DCO) (Chair) in order to provide assurance to CEO. The post-holder will chair in DCO absence
• Represent the SDA at pan-DNE meetings and working groups
• Producing, testing and supporting delivery of overarching SDA Business Continuity Plan (BCP), as well as providing advice and support to SDA teams in delivering their individual Business Continuity Plans
• Leading the SDA Operations Cell in the event of the Strategic BCP being invoked
• Developing and delivering the future accommodation strategy for the SDA across all geographical hubs
• Ensuring effective provision of business infrastructure to support the SDA’s change vision as well as business as usual requirements.

Professional Knowledge and Experience

The successful candidate will demonstrate experience against the following essential criteria:
· Proven leadership experience at a senior level within complex public or private sector organisations, with responsibility for setting and delivering strategic direction
· Proven experience of providing information security strategies and solutions, as well as delivery of information management, governance and assurance
· Experience of building and/or managing diverse multi-disciplinary teams across multiple locations, with a track record of empowering staff and growing talent
· Excellent communication skills, with successful track record of engaging and influencing a diverse range of stakeholders including at senior level
· Experience of delivering within a highly secure policy regulated environment.

Personal Skills
· The ability to work with highly sensitive information, often with the inability to share with colleagues
· Good judgement to make difficult decisions, requiring gravitas and strength of character
· Agile and open minded in your thinking to encourage innovation as well as high levels of energy and resilience to maintain a positive approach when faced with complex challenges.