Job Advertisement: IWT Lead (Support)
Position: IWT Lead (Support)
Agency Partner: Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency
Client: BAE Systems (Ship Repair Team / Type 45 Class Fleet Upkeep)
Location: Portsmouth Naval Base, United Kingdom (Full-time on-site)
Salary: Up to £72,000 (dependent on skills and experience)
Job Type: Permanent / Experienced Professionals (Trades, Manufacturing and Operations)
Closing Date: 2nd October 2026 (Note: The client reserves the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received)
At Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency, we specialize in connecting exceptional manufacturing, operations, and trade leadership talent with world-class organizations that pioneer progress. We are proud to partner with BAE Systems to source an experienced IWT Lead (Support) to join their expanding Ship Repair team at Portsmouth Naval Base.
In this pivotal leadership role, you will lead, mentor, and manage an Integrated Work Team (IWT) comprising multiple Team Leaders across various trade disciplines. You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of subcontractor and team outputs, ensuring critical project milestones are met safely, on schedule, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality.
Core Duties & Responsibilities:
Drive high standards of Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) behaviors and proactive risk management across all teams.
Accountable for subcontractor outputs, ensuring safety, quality, work acceptance, and cost performance are successfully delivered.
Submit resource demand information to establish robust supply solutions across trade groupings and multi-platform scopes.
Oversee Control Account Management (CAM)—including establishing Work Breakdown Structures, scheduling, cost tracking, and progress reporting against baseline schedules.
Guide Team Leaders in delivering work in accordance with Level 3 schedules, driving solutions to delivery challenges, and managing pastoral care, attendance, and performance.
Leadership Experience: Proven track record leading multi-disciplinary engineering, production, or maintenance teams within a safety-critical environment.
Subcontractor Management: Demonstrated experience managing subcontractors and driving high performance against quality, cost, and delivery metrics.
Project Controls & CAM: Demonstrable knowledge of project controls, including Control Account Management, cost tracking, scheduling, and progress reporting.
Problem-Solving & Communication: Excellent stakeholder management and problem-solving skills, with the ability to champion continuous improvement and operational change.
Security Note: Due to defense and security regulations, all applicants must achieve at least a Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Higher levels of National Security Vetting may apply where required.
When you partner with Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency, you receive dedicated guidance and expert advocacy throughout your recruitment journey. Securing this high-impact role with BAE Systems also provides:
Career Growth & Stability: Join a fast-growing Ship Repair team supporting the vital Type 45 Class fleet upkeep programme, with significant opportunities for professional advancement.
Competitive Package: Earn up to £72,000 (DOE), supported by flexible benefits and financial/personal wellbeing schemes.
Inclusive Culture: Thrive in a collaborative, purpose-driven workplace that embraces sustainable working practices and continuous learning.