Luke Watkinson Email & Phone Number

In this role I am responsible for delivering Group-level media communications that support the Company strategy and effectively communicate the Company narrative.I develop and maintain relationships with key media contacts across print, broadcast and online, with a particular focus on technology, and deliver communications which support Group-level corporate and financial reporting.I routinely undertake press officer duties and work with teams across the Group to effectively identify and manage issues that could impact the Company’s reputation.

London, United Kingdom

In this role I led early careers and skills communications activity throughout the UK, collaborating with teams across the Company. It was a varied role spanning internal and external communications, including delivering national attraction campaigns and ministerial-level events, with a particular focus on graduate and apprentice attraction and retention.I delivered integrated campaigns to promote our contribution to the UK and drive recruitment, particularly among under-represented groups, and introduced targeted social media marketing to the Company’s early careers attraction activities. Working across internal channels I embedded new early careers programmes, promoted employee stories and delivered critical employee engagement campaigns against the backdrop of the pandemic.

London

Reporting into the Group Communications Director, this role spanned functional management tasks as well as a range of projects. I was responsible for developing and maintaining the department’s budget and ensuring all compliance and governance for the Director’s office was managed appropriately, as well as leading daily engagement with the offices of the wider executive committee. I delivered a number of projects working with teams across the Group, including a ministerial-level technology event and high-value community investment initiatives.

New Delhi, India

Project Manager for BAE Systems' offset requirements under the M777A2 India programme.

The Sigma Leadership Programme is a three year fast-track programme created for people with the highest leadership potential. With only a few places available each year, it’s unique, quick paced and aimed at giving individuals a breadth and depth of knowledge from across multiple business areas.Through secondments to different business areas and projects, members rapidly gain a diverse range of competencies, knowledge and experience. All Sigma placements are hands-on. They are purposely both stretching and intensive, designed to give members real accountability and responsibility for making a difference to the business. Sigma is tailored to develop the core skills and behaviours to be a business leader of the future, and upon its conclusion members are expected to take on a substantive role at an executive level.

London, United Kingdom / Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Managing internal and external Group communications requirements across numerous channels, focusing on the UK and Middle East. I led and supported pro-active communications and thought leadership in both regions, including the successful delivery of a high-profile report on BAE Systems' contribution to the UK economy.

Telford, United Kingdom

Provided commercial and procurement expertise for a business critical assessment phase programme valued at c.£20 million. Developed bid submission documents which received significant commendation from the customer. Leveraged skills to develop partnering approach and commercial principles for use throughout the programme lifecycle.Played an active role in providing commercial support to platforms at all stages of the lifecycle, from opportunity identification to in-service support.Structured and led management meetings with a focus on deciding, developing and implementing strategic objectives.Held budget and contracting responsibility for the delivery of a two-day conference, bringing together early careers employees and senior stakeholders from across the UK for development and networking.

Preston, United Kingdom

Routinely led interaction with engineering and management consultancy providers across programme lifecycles on behalf of diverse internal customers, delivering international requirements and complex tenders of up to £30 million value.Led stakeholder management and employee engagement as part of a successful major Group initiative; managing communications to c.2000 employees across five countries.Led training and engagement to deliver a business transformation project aimed at streamlining and modernising processes within the Procurement function. Managed initial pilot project, demonstrating the transformation’s efficacy.

Liverpool, United Kingdom

Planned and executed a number of events for c.2000 international students; a culturally sensitive and significant undertaking including the provision of legal presentations, large networking events, and social media engagement through the @livuni twitter account.

Bachelor'S Degree, Politics & Archaeology

Activities and Societies: Hockey, Taekwondo, Football, Beekeeping A three-year Combined Honours course giving considerable breadth.

A Levels: Politics, History, Physics, General Studies; As Level: Maths

Activities and Societies: Student Mentor, Physics Ambassador, Model UN, Wildlife Trust