Head of Customer Training

at  Surrey Satellite Technology Limited

JOB DESCRIPTION:

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a pioneering space company shaping and delivering our customer training programmes, working with customers to realise their space ambitions. Reporting to the Director of Business Development and Sales and working closely with the Head of Export business, this role has responsibility for all aspects of our world leading Know How Training and Transfer (KHTT) programmes, through strategy, product and delivery.
About SSTL: Considered the pioneers of the small satellite market, and with a heritage that spans over 40 years, SSTL prides itself in continual innovation and improvement of space technologies, products and services, as well as in delivering space missions for a broad array of applications. Since 1981, SSTL has had a unique position in the global space industry – delivering comprehensive multi-year, hands-on training programmes all around the world. As a result of SSTL training programmes space agencies have been formed in 6 space-developing nations and flourishing space ecosystems have been established.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

• Demonstrable experience in the space/aerospace/satellite engineering industry with an international customer base or demonstrable experience in defining and delivering complex education/training needs.
• Proven ability in technical management, business management, project management or education delivery.
• Experience of interfacing with customers

QUALIFICATIONS KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• A degree or equivalent in an engineering, technical or education delivery discipline
• Able to implement specific strategies from the BDS dir. and in the absence of specific direction, be able to determine and implement plans in order to achieve business targets.
• Excellent inter-personal skills; able to influence, persuade and negotiate at all levels (externally and internally) effectively.
• Commercially astute – able to understand the needs of the customer and identify solutions that are in line with the company’s capability, business plan and strategic direction.
• Culturally aware and able to work with people from a wide variety of backgrounds from all over the world.
• Ability to consider the bigger picture and make appropriate operational and strategic plans.
• Able to work across a range of functional teams and co-ordinate activity.
• Strong customer facing and presentation skills.
• Ability to engage and lead others.
• Highly organised, pro-active, results orientated and self-motivated.
• Ability to cope under pressure and self-manage in ambiguity. Able to demonstrate company mindsets and behaviours; Be accountable, Drive & delivery, Communicate effectively, Self-manage effectively, Work as one team.

EXPERIENCE LEVEL:

Professional

• Ensure the successful delivery of multi-million-pound, international, high-tech satellite training programmes typically lasting several years.
• Develop a framework and strategy for delivering training programmes across multiple (space) market areas.
• Lead on the design, development and implementation of training solutions, tools, infrastructure and processes in line with the relevant business line/market strategy.
• Drive continuous customer training product development ensuring alignment to market and business lines strategy.
• Develop an understanding of the current and future space training market by using current internal analysis and market reports.
• Shape solution and support negotiation activities for new training contracts; Drive specific evolutions of customer training offering for new prospects.
• Work closely with all departments, including BDS and Project Engineering Management teams, to ensure effective communication and co-ordination of all customer training programme activities.
• Provide support and mentoring to project, engineering and BDS staff on the requirements, constraints and approach for the securing and execution of customer training programmes.
• Responsible for governance and regulatory matters surrounding customer training programme, including but not limited to, export control, GDPR, immigration, employment and tax law liability. Monitor changes in regulation and any arising legal or commercial requirement and their impact on the product strategy. Liaise with external institutions and governmental bodies as necessary.
• Line management for the customer training team.