Role and Company
Head of Support Programmes, Ultra Electronics Sonar Systems
Expertise
16 years experience in project management
Location
Orlando , FL
About Andrew
Introduction
I am currently based in the UK about to retire to Florida (6 months per year). I am getting involved in volunteering in the UK with specialist ex-military organisations and would really love to do the same in the US. I have a passion for helping veterans with their CVs and general support in them getting a civilian job.
Bio
Andy Woodland has a combination of a full military career of 22 years backed up with over 16 years in the defence industry supporting military equipment which is primarily associated with the Royal Navy.
A strong communicator at all levels; accustomed to a front-line, people-facing role where a professional image combined with approachability is vital to implement high standards of customer care.
He joined the Royal Air Force in 1978 as aircrew on a front line operational Nimrod Squadron with active service in the Falklands and was awarded the South Atlantic medal. On promotion he progressed to instructors duties at RAF St Mawgan followed by a tour working in acoustic intelligence with the Royal Navy. Promoted to Senior Analyst and managed a team of ten analysts producing detailed reports on UK ASW operations. Final tour was at Northwood HQ as part of the Nimrod Air Warfare Centre developing new equipment and tactics for the Nimrod MR2 aircraft.
Joined Ultra Electronics as a System Engineer in 1999. Involved in Sonobuoy development and multi-static processing before moving to the Countermeasures Systems Department. Requirements Manager for a torpedo defence system and managed the successful acceptance of this system. Led the development of the display functionality of the torpedo defence system and developed and led the training for the first operational crew on HMS Westminster. Managed the production of the first full Computer Based Training (CBT) package for the Sonar 2170 delivered in August 2005.
Moved onto the Mine Disposal System (MDS) where he successfully project managed the entire programme from contract award to final delivery to 16 RN mine hunting platforms. Promoted to Head of Support programmes in 2009 where he manages many large support contracts with a team of Project Managers and Support Engineers.
Specialist Area
Involved in the Company graduation selection process (over 400 applicants each year)
Prepare job descriptions for recruiting agencies
Give briefings to recruiting agencies on what we are looking for in candidates
Review hundreds of CVs each year for company vacancies
Working for a defence company I interview many ex-military candidates
Conduct telephone and face to face interview
Involved in second interview and final selection