Lesley Bagley
Larkhill,Wiltshire
Summary
Experienced leader with over 35 years in Defence research organisations, specialising in team success and operational efficiency. Demonstrates effective communication skills and fosters a collaborative environment that promotes individual and team growth. Proven track record in managing multi-site teams and overseeing cost center budgets, resource planning, and management.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Group Leader (MoD Grade equivilant)
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl)
Salisbury, Wiltshire
09.2023 - 09.2025
- Led a group of 70 scientists and engineers to ensure a safe and resilient working environment.
- Conducted assurance and risk assessments to meet project and programme requirements.
- Ensured compliance with all legislative and regulatory requirements.
- Directed capability planning, linking people, relationships, and infrastructure to programme needs.
- Designed capability teams to align with demand while minimising resource gaps.
- Managed financial performance for the group, focusing on recoveries and discretionary spend.
- Championed high standards in people management and continuous professional development.
- Maintained visibility to promote high levels of staff engagement and recognition.
Team Leader
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl)
Salisbury, Wiltshire
04.2019 - 09.2023
- Led a team of 10 Project and Programme Managers to align capabilities with organisational strategy.
- Developed future leaders through succession planning and resilience-building initiatives.
- Facilitated performance management to enhance professional development of team members.
- Ensured employee skills matched task requirements and complied with safety regulations.
- Fostered engagement by promoting an inclusive, excellence-driven environment aligned with Dstl values.
- Recognised high performance while addressing underperformance to uphold team standards.
- Collaborated with other Team Leaders to exchange best practices for cohesive management.
Senior Commercial Manager
QinetiQ
Sevenoaks, Kent
08.2014 - 03.2019
- Led Procurement Optimisation Programme to refine processes and governance.
- Advised Science & Technology delivery teams on procurement strategies and policies.
- Collaborated with Programme Managers and Portfolio Office to analyse future procurement needs.
- Developed strategies for selecting optimal commercial routes, ensuring value for money.
- Ensured compliance with procurement regulations across all operations.
- Streamlined assurance activities to enhance procurement efficiency.
- Leveraged industry contacts to support project objectives.
Skills
- Extensive Management and Leadership experience
- Strong Interpersonal skills
- Budget administration
- Recruitment and hiring
- Staff management
- Staff development
- Procurement and Sales experience
- Contract negotiation
- Portfolio, Programme and Project experience
- 45 years of horsemanship experience including BHS and Intelligent Horsemanship training
- RDA experience
Certification
Certificate of Competence in Purchasing & Supply
Brief Employment History
- 1985 - 1986 Trainee Veterinary Nurse
- 1986 - 1987 College of Higher Education
- 1987 - 1988 Trainee Veterinary Nurse
- 1989 - 1991 MoD / Defence Research Agency, Administrative Officer – Personnel and Procurement
- 1991 - 1997 Defence Evaluation & Research Agency, Executive officer, Procurement and Sales
- 1997 - 1999 Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, Higher Executive Officer, Procurement and Sales
- 1999 - 2001 Defence Evaluation & Research Agency, Senior Executive Officer, Commercial Management
- 2001 - 2003 QinetiQ, Senior Commercial Manager
- 2003 – Present Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), various roles
Timeline
Group Leader (MoD Grade equivilant)
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl)
09.2023 - 09.2025
Team Leader
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl)
04.2019 - 09.2023
Senior Commercial Manager
QinetiQ
08.2014 - 03.2019