The Satellite Applications Catapult is on an exciting mission to innovate for a better world empowered by space!  A rare opportunity to work in our Westcott Core Team has arisen and we are looking for an energetic Drone Test & Development Centre (DTDC) Manager to join us and help grow the Westcott Space Innovation Business Park.  

You will be responsible for: the safe and effective operation of this brand-new facility; working closely with the Westcott Operations and Estates Managers to ensure that the DTDC customer experience is excellent; working closely with the Westcott Business Development Manager to maximise DTDC impact, utilisation and revenue; working closely with the Catapult’s value streams to offer the DTDC for project work.

This is a rare and extremely exciting new role with a high level of autonomy in which you will be able to make your mark with responsibility for DTDC safety and operational excellence at the growing Westcott Space Innovation Business Park.

Key Responsibilities:

• Implement a safe operations culture, implement all relevant  health and safety procedures.

• Perform and supervise airfield management activities, including mobile airfield management functions.

• Coordinate flight control or management activities.

• Implement airfield safety procedures to ensure a safe operating environment for personnel and aircraft operation.

• Define and implement flight plans and co-ordinated flight operations.

• Procure, produce, and provide information on the safe operation of aircraft, such as flight planning publications, operations publications, charts and maps, and weather information.

• Check military flight plans with civilian agencies (NOTAMS) and provide relevant flight notifications.

• Review work orders or schedules to determine best and most efficient operations.

• Review and implement CAA / Air Navigation Order and implement methods for compliance to CAP722 or relevant policy or legal / statutory regulation.

• Provide users with information and services needed for airfield management and flight planning.

• Communicate with others to coordinate aircraft movement.

• Support the future growth of the DTDC and propose enhancement to the facilities to improve and grow capability.

• Maintain clear and positive communication with Westcott Venture Park staff to maintain support for DTDC operations.

• Liaise with the Westcott Estates Manager to ensure that all DTDC health & safety documentation and procedures are up-to-date.

• Liaise with the Westcott Business Development Manager to enable the provision of supportive occupancies and testing residences at DTDC for small companies.

• Liaise with the Catapult’s Chief Architect – Future Networks and Systems as required to support future Catapult initiatives.

Skills & Experience required:

• Experience in undertaking and/or facilitating air operations in the UK.

• Good working knowledge of all applicable CAA regulations concerning drone operations.

• Current or previous manager of an aviation-related facility.

• Ability to prioritise workload and identify concerns about workflow to Line Manager if necessary.

• Comfortable presenting to highly-skilled audiences.

• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience.

Desirable:

• CAA qualified drone operator

You know you have been successful when…

• DTDC is operating in a safe and effective manner.

• Starts-Up, SMEs and primes are using the DTDC and growing the sector.

• The Catapult Executive Management Team (EMT) has confidence that Westcott is commercially-focussed and well-run.

• Industry investment is successfully attracted to Westcott due to the Catapult’s credibility and success.

The purpose of the team:

The Westcott Core Team comprises a team of cross-functional specialists who, together, relentlessly focus on successfully realising the Strategic Vision for the Westcott Space Innovation Business Park.  The Westcott Core Team supports both the Value Streams and the Delivery Team in their work.  

Value Streams use the Catapult’s facilities at Westcott to support the growth of the UK space sector.  Our current facilities are: Future Networks Development Centre; Business Incubation Centre; and Westcott Innovation Centre. 

The Delivery Team are developing amazing new facilities including: Space Manufacturing Propulsion & Test (SMPT); In-Orbit Servicing & Manufacturing (IOSM); Health and Agri Living Labs; and a Drone Test & Development Centre (DTDC).

How we work:

We strive to create a high trust environment that enables team members to bring their whole selves to work – this helps to create the foundations of an innovation culture.
Our shared values are critical to this:

• We care - for our people, our partners, and our planet

• We connect - and engage with people and ideas

• We learn - and grow, as people and as an industry

Underpinning this is our belief in great teams, our combined efforts will always deliver outcomes beyond that of any individual providing we are honest through debate, experiment and reflect, and create shared resolutions in support of our purpose. Live these values, work to our principles, take ownership to deliver, and we are certain you will thrive with us.