Job Description

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Description

We're building the next UK-headquartered engineering powerhouse.

At Rowden, we design and integrate advanced systems that sense, connect, and protect data in challenging environments where quick decisions are vital. Our solutions use intelligent automation to enhance speed and efficiency and are built to be reliable and straightforward for critical operations in remote or high-pressure settings.



Headquartered in Bristol (UK), we combine modern engineering methods with cutting-edge commercial technology to create adaptable, mission-critical systems. We focus on solving the tough challenges that others overlook, ensuring our customers can operate effectively in an ever-changing world.

About the Role

Rowden is scaling its impact, taking on more ambitious programmes that deliver real-world outcomes for operational users. These platform programmes range from discrete IT capability drops to enterprise-wide infrastructure modernisation, delivered at pace and in demanding environments. To lead this work, we're seeking Principal Delivery Leads--experienced, trusted professionals who thrive on navigating complexity, aligning diverse teams, and enabling mission success.

Our Principal Delivery Leads operate at the heart of programme execution. They work closely with senior technical counterparts and customer stakeholders to drive delivery confidence, cohesion, and control across fast-moving, multi-partner delivery ecosystems. These are not traditional PM roles--they are delivery leadership positions grounded in ownership, clarity, and momentum.

This role requires a minimum of 3 days per week on-site at our Bristol HQ with frequent travel to customer sites. Candidates must be willing to obtain a UKNSV security clearance with SC being essential, and DV clearance desirable.###

Key areas of responsibility

Lead the delivery of complex, hybrid IT platforms across dynamic, mission-driven programmes. Drive end-to-end programme execution, from planning and governance through to operational transition. Adapt and apply SAFe Agile practices to structure and optimise delivery cadence. Focus on outcomes over outputs--ensuring that what is delivered meets mission needs, not just technical specs. Align internal and external delivery teams behind shared goals, resolving blockers and coordinating dependencies. Own delivery KPIs: schedule, scope, quality, and operational readiness. Coordinate phased service migrations and platform transitions with minimal disruption. Communicate delivery progress and risks clearly and consistently to customer stakeholders. Build strong, trust-based relationships with customer delivery leads. Champion a delivery culture grounded in pace, ownership, adaptability, and continuous improvement.


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Key skills, experience and behaviours

Essential

Significant experience leading complex IT programmes in enterprise or high-assurance contexts. Operated at principal project manager or programme delivery lead level. Strong knowledge of SAFe Agile (or comparable frameworks) and its application across multiple teams. Track record of managing delivery risk, interdependencies, and change in high-stakes environments. Proven ability to align and orchestrate multi-partner delivery efforts. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills--both technical and commercial. Confidence to lead in tempo-driven, customer-facing settings.

Highly Desirable

Experience in defence or other regulated, secure-sector delivery environments. Background in hybrid IT infrastructure or platform modernisation programmes. Systems integration experience across multiple contributing teams or suppliers.


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Working at Rowden

We are committed to building a flexible, inclusive, and enabling company. Our aim is to create a diverse team of talented people with unique skills, experience, and backgrounds, so please apply and come as you are!


We also recognise the importance of flexible working and support this wherever we can. We typically operate a flexible, hybrid-working model, with an average 3 days in the office each week (dependent on the role). We welcome the opportunity to discuss flexibility, part-time working requirements and/or workplace adjustments with all our applicants.

Rowden is a Disability Confident Committed company, and we actively encourage people with disabilities and health conditions to apply for our roles. Please let us know your requirements early on so that we can make sure you have everything you need up front to help make the recruitment process and experience as easy as possible.

Finally, if you feel that you don't meet all the criteria included above but have transferable skills and relevant experience, we'd still love to hear from you!###

About Rowden

Our Mission:

To create the best possible technology for frontline operators.



We're upending the conventions of government technology provision and bringing a leaner, more transparent, and lower-friction approach that reduces waste and places outcome over process. We believe every possible measure should be taken to provide frontline operators in today's dynamic and rapidly changing world with the technology they need to help keep themselves and others safe.

Our Vision:

We offer fast and flexible solutions to the technical challenges of public sector organisations.


We are specialists in software-centric systems, with deep expertise in developing capabilities for constrained networking environments or with challenging cyber security requirements. But the Rowden difference is as much cultural as it is technical: 'what we do' and 'how we do it' are equally important. We are specifically organised to create and sustain pace, reduce waste and inefficiency, and drive better outcomes. You'll see and feel that energy and intent all over our business.

What matters to us?

Our focus is on the end user. We exist to deliver the best possible outcomes for the users of our systems. Pace matters. The problems we solve are urgent. Our diverse skills and backgrounds make us better. Our team prides itself on being inclusive and multidisciplinary. We are radically honest. Saying what we mean, even when it isn't easy. We are pragmatists. We provide realistic, focused solutions that get to the point. * We improve continuously. We are relentless in our drive to make things better.