Jo has been at BAE Systems for ten years, initially working in Digital Intelligence and is currently running a significant change programme which touches all parts of the business.
‘I was attracted to BAE Systems because of its reputation as a good employer and as an organisation that protects Britain, offering a huge variety of opportunities across multiple industries.
I initially joined Digital Intelligence and worked on the messaging around defence against cyber-attacks and better use of actionable intelligence. Several years later, when I began supporting other parts of the business, I found myself in a conversation about munitions development. I realised that, working here, it is important to recognise that we are building our country’s defences and protecting our nation.
I have stayed with BAE Systems as I am proud of what we do and the fantastic opportunities I have been given to learn new things and progress in my career. I feel valued and work with really inspiring people.
When I joined, I had relatively young children. I have always felt the company recognised my commitment and has, in turn, been flexible when necessary to let me handle challenges at home. Being able to start meetings after 9.30 am and finishing by 4.30 pm enables those with family to do what they need to and still come back online to finish things afterwards, guilt-free.
One of the significant career steps in my time at BAE Systems was my role as an Account Director for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), where we delivered IT and communication services that enable FCDO to support British citizens, trade and aid worldwide. This involved running a team of 150 technical and delivery experts within a public sector environment. Our work was absolutely critical to enable British people to remain safe, supportive and effective in the UK and abroad, often in some very difficult and complex circumstances. We were the team behind the headlines, supporting the evacuation of British citizens from war zones, civil unrest and natural disasters, enabling FCDO crisis task forces to operate for their safe return. The role felt very closely aligned with our organisation-wide mission to protect the nation.
Culturally I feel BAE Systems is 100% committed to inclusion, investing in our people and promoting talent. BAE Systems is undergoing a significant cultural journey to bring the best of the inclusion processes to the fore, including diversity, and anonymous recruitment, with behaviour among leaders reinforcing this with investment in the local community, STEM ambassador opportunities and diversity, equity and inclusion related objectives at all levels.
BAE Systems has allowed me to develop with the recognition and support of more senior people who spotted my potential. I feel that our business values authenticity and that being reasonable and pleasant is not counter-intuitive to making good decisions and negotiating great outcomes.'
Find your unique place
At BAE Systems we believe in the benefit of a diverse and inclusive team, and the creativity and innovation that it brings. We recognise and celebrate diversity and difference and want everyone to feel valued and empowered to thrive. Our team come from all sorts of backgrounds; they’re resilient, curious, hardworking, and all contributing to vital work that protects those who protect us all.
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Diversity, equity and inclusion
We want everyone here to feel valued and empowered to thrive. Who you are should never define what you can do. We believe when you bring together different people and different perspectives it inspires creativity and drives innovation. It helps us fulfil our purpose and it's integral to our culture. Everyone is heard and respected here.
Learning and development
If you’re curious, hungry for more responsibility, and prepared to step out of your comfort zone, there are endless opportunities to grow with us. At every stage of your career our first-class training, coaching and development programmes, role models and mentors will help you embrace your potential and take the next step.
Reward and benefits
Great work deserves benefits that go beyond your salary. Whether it's health, wellbeing, or financial security for you and your family – our flexible benefits help you focus on what's important to you.
Making an impact
Together we embrace every opportunity to have a positive impact. On the world around us, our communities, and each other.
Our mission
Our mission is to provide a vital advantage to help our customers protect what really matters. It brings us together and gives us purpose.
Our values
We share a set of values that define who we are and who we all want to be. They help us make the right decisions and take the right actions.
