Welcome to our second instalment of our ‘A Day in the Life of a…’ SQEP! In this piece, you will find out about what it is like to be Head of Programme Management – Mark Geoghegan.
What do you like most about your job?
I love being able to help our customers deliver some incredible projects, helping to make a difference and supporting those amazing people on the front line.
I get to work with an incredible team in SQEP – deeply passionate and hugely experienced. I laugh out loud multiple times a day enjoying what I have the privilege of doing. Oh…and I get to work with Chinooks! What’s not to like?!
What kind of work/projects/contracts are you involved in?
The team and me are involved across a range of acquisition and supporting projects; from supporting delivery of new aircraft, establishing robust governance and project controls systems through to being at the forefront of new programmes in detailing and outlining the delivery strategy.
The work and contracts are quite diverse and extremely rewarding.
What have you done in your career/education prior to being at SQEP?
I originally trained in industry as a Mechanical Engineer and held a range of industrial roles including production operations, validation, design and project management across automotive sub-frame systems.
I joined the Ministry of Defence in 2004 as an HEO (Higher Executive Officer), responsible for a range of Sovereign and Trafalgar Class submarine sonar systems, before moving to the Nuclear Weapons Project Team in 2005. I then undertook a range of technical and project roles across the nuclear domain. After advancement to SEO (C1) supporting the Nuclear and Strategic Weapons Organisational change programme, I undertook the role of Technical Adviser and Programme Manager.
Next, I assumed the Role of Manoeuvre Support Deputy Team Leader in the land environment, where I was responsible for a range of Counter IED Urgent Operational Requirements. I delivered a range of international projects to the front line in Op HERRICK.
My next move, in 2013, was delivering a £4Bn portfolio of projects and services, including new helicopter platforms into service, support arrangements, PFI and infrastructure delivery, complex defensive aids and platform safety modification projects – as well as supporting multiple operations in support of the Chinook Force.
My final post before joining SQEP was as a member of the Senior Civil Service where I was responsible for the development, governance, programme improvement, capability, and delivery for over 2,800 project professionals in one of the largest project delivery organisations in UK government (DE&S). I supported professionals leading across the entire acquisition landscape in some of the biggest projects and programmes in the UK.
Education-wise: I attended Cranfield University completing an MSc in Defence Acquisition Management and completed the Cabinet Office Project Leadership Programme and Oxford Saïd Business School Major Projects Leadership Academy. I am a Chartered Engineer with the Institute of Mechanical Engineers and I am a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and hold Chartered Manager accreditation with the Chartered Management Institute.
Can you tell me what a typical day might look like?
Supporting our clients – living the SQEP values and being the type of consultant that I would have wanted to have working for me when in I worked in DE&S! It is hugely rewarding to help hard pressed personnel deliver to the front line.
Helping to grow the business – We are growing rapidly right now which is quite a challenge.
Having lots of fun- belly laughing! SQEP has attracted a lot of fantastic people, people who feel at home amongst us. We are involved in a serious business and are really focused on delivering outstanding output to the customer but it is all done with a smile and great humour.
Anything else you want to add – about SQEP/ The Defence Industry/ anything you think relevant?
It is widely accepted that Defence is in its most difficult phase since the end of the cold war. Budgets remain tight, expectations are high and once again the public sector is under immense and widely unwarranted negative scrutiny. Supporting our clients through this challenging time is important for us here in SQEP. Helping them to support those key front-line customers who are charged with the defence of ours and many other nations is a crucial mission for us. Everything starts with a plan and a PM – so it is important we get things right.
Suitable. Qualified. Experienced. Personnel. At SQEP, every word matters.