Out of the blue

Cobham is one of those companies that provide the kind of products you usually only find in science-fiction films.

For example, its behind autonomous air-to-air refuelling systems, wireless systems that navigate around buildings, tiny HD transmitters and broadcast technology that works in even the harshest environmental conditions.

Not surprisingly then, Cobham puts a lot of focus on talent. (It’s right up there in its three values: Trust, Talent and Technology.) And as part of a wide-ranging reinvention of people operations, the company is introducing five new Strategic Talent Development Leads (STDLs).

Each of these STDLs will be based in a different part of the globe, working directly with a specific business unit. Vacancies exist in Copenhagen, Adelaide, Davenport (that’s in Iowa, USA) and Wimborne in Dorset (more of which later).

As they’re new roles, they offer a chance to apply expertise in the commercial, defence and security markets, reaching from deep space to the depths of the ocean; it’s a company committed to people-centric improvements across the board.

Change generators

‘These are wide ranging roles,’ says Amy Ansell, a resource specialist for Cobham. ‘We’re looking for generators, rather than followers, of change. The people we need will add value to competency frameworks, talent mapping, assessment centres – pretty much the whole talent landscape.’

Ansell suggests the ideal candidate will already have experience in a corporate environment, probably as a senior talent management or business partner. The importance of the role, she adds, is reflected in the fact that all five appointees will report directly into the Senior Vice President for Talent and Organisational Design.

The vacancy in the UK is based in Wimborne, Dorset. Wimborne’s an attractive town otherwise known for its Minster, folk festival and model village. (There’s even a Town Crier who pops up at holidays and weekends.) There are seven schools and the average price of a detached property is a rather palatable £400K, according to data on Rightmove.

Cobham rubs shoulders with a surprising number of substantial employers in the area – useful if you and your partner are looking to relocate. These include LV, JPMorgan Chase, PruHealth and Nationwide.

More details can be seen on Cobham’s careers site here.

About the author

Andrew Baird

Andrew is the CEO of HRville. He is also Employer Brand Director of Blackbridge Communications, Editorial Director of Professionals in Law and an associate of The Smarty Train. Previously, he was the MD of TCS Advertising.