Remotely Piloted Aerial System (RPAS) Programme Manager

Role : Remotely Piloted Ariel System (RPAS) Programme Manager

Location: London / Hybrid with international travel as required

Contract Type: 6 Month Fixed-Term Contract

The Role

Prevail Partners is seeking an experienced RPAS Programme Manager to support the development and delivery of ISRaaS (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance as a Service) opportunities across government, defence, and commercial environments.

This role will provide specialist expertise across remotely piloted aircraft systems RPAS, wider ISR capability development, regulatory compliance, solution design, and project delivery. The successful candidate will work closely with operational, commercial, and technical stakeholders to help shape scalable ISR solutions aligned to client requirements.

The position is ideally suited to someone with commercial experience; strong practical and strategic understanding of drone operations; ISR integration, aviation regulation, and project coordination within complex or high-assurance environments.

Key Responsibilities

·       Act as the internal SME for RPAS/drone capability development and wider ISRaaS opportunities

·       Lead the design and development of ISR solutions for government, defence, and commercial clients.

·       Advise on UK and international RPAS regulatory requirements, permissions, and compliance frameworks

·       Engage with internal stakeholders to support bid activity, solution architecture, and technical proposals

·       Support project planning, mobilisation, and delivery activities across ISR-related projects

·       Provide technical input into operational concepts, deployment models, and capability integration

·       Liaise with external suppliers, operators, regulators, and technology partners where required

·       Support the assessment and selection of suitable RPAS platforms, sensors, and supporting technologies

·       Contribute to risk assessments, operational procedures, governance documentation, and assurance processes

·       Help identify future ISRaaS opportunities, capability gaps, and innovation initiatives

Essential Experience

·       Ability to translate technical concepts into operational or commercial outcomes

·       Strong experience working with RPAS/drone systems within defence, security, government, or commercial sectors

·       Good understanding of ISR operations, collection methodologies, and supporting technologies

·       Knowledge of UK CAA regulations and broader international drone/RPAS regulatory frameworks

·       Experience supporting technical solution design and operational planning

·       Experience coordinating or managing technical projects or operational deployments

·       Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills

·       Comfortable operating in fast-paced and evolving environments

Desirable

·       Experience supporting ISR capability development within defence or national security environments

·       Knowledge of counter-UAS considerations and airspace management

·       Experience with BVLOS operations or complex operational environments

·       Existing relationships within the RPAS, aviation, or ISR ecosystem

·       Experience supporting bids, proposals, or client-facing solution development

·       Security clearance (SC/DV) or willingness to undergo clearance

At Prevail, we believe in recognising and rewarding our people. Our benefits package is designed to support your wellbeing, financial security, professional development, and life beyond work:

• AXA Private Medical Insurance: Fully funded private healthcare cover through AXA
• Health Shield Cashback Plan: Claim cashback on everyday healthcare costs including dental, optical, physiotherapy, prescriptions, and more
• Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme: A tax-efficient way to save for your future through pension contributions
• Employee Assistance Programme: Confidential mental health, legal, financial, and wellbeing support through Health Hero
• Free Gym Membership & Wellness Perks: Free gym access for London employees at Manor Gym, plus company-sponsored fitness classes each week
• Enhanced Leave Entitlements: Supporting you through important life moments with flexibility and care
• Professional Development Days: Dedicated time off to focus on your personal and professional growth through training, courses, or self-directed learning
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Tax-efficient savings on bikes and accessories, available post-probation
• Season Ticket Loans: Interest-free loans to support annual commuting costs
• Socials & Team Culture: Company socials every other Thursday, regular run club meetups, plus summer and Christmas events that bring the team together
• Culture & Development: A values-led culture with collaborative initiatives and meaningful opportunities for personal and professional development