MARTIN DICKSON
Alnwick,United Kingdom
Summary
Engineering management professional with 38 years of experience in the Royal Air Force, excelling in leadership within high-pressure environments. Demonstrated success in guiding teams to meet strategic goals on both domestic and international fronts. Skilled in building collaborative relationships across various disciplines and multinational teams to improve operational effectiveness. Proven track record of delivering complex projects on time and within budget while ensuring clear communication with stakeholders.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Battlespace Management Engineering Role Office
Royal Air Force Boulmer
Alnwick, Northumberland
2022.11 - Current
- Provided assurance for Air Surveillance and Control within engineering environments.
Supported Group strategic intent across UK and overseas locations.
Managed fixed and deployed equipment capabilities globally.
Oversaw engineering activities, both organic and contractor-led. - Administering and implementing modifications to engineering policy and relevant regulations.
- ·Coordinated and documented actions from Engineering Training Working Group.
- Assessed change programmes' impact on Engineering policies and regulati0ns.
- Supported maximum efficiency and operational availability of UK and Deployed capabilities.
- Maintained symbiotic relationship with Command staff for optimal staffing resolutions.
- Supported Principal Engineer in duties as delegated TRA (Training Requirements Authority).
- Facilitated initiatives related to Cyberspace Profession.
School Warrant Officer, No.1 Radio School
Royal Air Force Cosford
Albrighton, West Midlands
2017.04 - 2022.11
- · Offer guidance and assistance to fulfil objectives and goals assigned by headquarters through directives and facilitate necessary changes for compliance with such mandates.
- ·Facilitate advice and support for Head of School related to operational management and task monitoring from executive boards and weekly meetings.
- Enforce rigorous standards of discipline for staff and students, coordinating with multiple on-site agencies to realise this goal.
- Supervise workforce planning and performance reviews to uphold exceptional teaching standards for students.
- Engage with multiple delivery teams within Defence to ensure operational requirement changes are communicated to senior executives
- Facilitating comprehensive understanding of communications cadre development among executives while emphasising operational significance of trade for future strategies.
- Validate that all candidates appointed to training delivery roles participate in Instructor Suitability interviews
- Collaborate with Chief of Staff to guarantee timely completion and staffing of quarterly KPIs in accordance with Management Plan.
- Enhanced team morale by implementing effective communication strategies.
- Provided advice to senior officials for informed decision-making.
- Created a positive work environment through respectful interaction with peers and subordinates.
Information Services Flight Manager
RAF Spadeadam
Brampton, Cumbria
2014.04 - 2017.04
- Oversaw technical control of all electronic warfare threats operating on range under direction of Head of Engineering, maintaining round-the-clock availability for operational flight crew training.
- Oversaw bespoke technical training school, elevating staff performance.
Conducted training programmes that enhanced service standards. - Produced detailed incident reports that informed security protocol enhancements.
Delivered expert advice on data protection, successfully lowering breach risks.
Enabled continuous improvements in security practices through incident documentation. - Led change management initiatives that enhanced organisational agility.
Boosted staff productivity through effective workforce management techniques.
Served in senior management role for seven months due to workforce gaps. - Supervised project timelines to ensure on-time completion.
Led cross-functional teams in successful IT project implementations.
Deployable CIS Manager
NATO
Brussels, Belgium
2011.10 - 2014.04
- Accountable to System Manager for technical oversight of all NATO deployable communications equipment.
- Collaborate with diverse NATO agencies to facilitate timely and efficient deployment of NATO Reaction Force communications.
- Manage comprehensive life service for Deployable communications equipment from inception to decommissioning.
- SoftwareLicence Administration for over 5000 assets
- Conduct design reviews alongside successful external bidders for new communication equipment programmes.
- Engage in and contribute to senior level meetings addressing future requirements.
- Engage in Technical Configuration Conferences (TCC) prior to major exercises to evaluate optimisation of communications solution.
- Delegated responsibilities within 3rd line repair depot to enhance communication equipment availability and reduce offline periods.
- · Acting WO for 12 months due to vacant senior position.
Spectrum Manager, Ops Desk Lead, Team Leader
90 Signals Unit, Royal Air Force
Leeming, North Yorkshire
2004.10 - 2011.10
- Coordinated and allocated all communications frequencies for Royal Air Force.
Managed frequency allocations for visiting nations to ensure operational readiness.
Renewed frequencies annually for all UK radar sites to maintain compliance.
Liaised with host nations for overseas clearances during exercises and operations.
Served as key point of contact for planning and frequency management in high-profile operations.
- Led operations room as team leader and coordinator, ensuring efficient daily management.
Coordinated manpower and equipment movements across operational areas to optimise resource use.
Served as primary contact for all overseas detachments, facilitating communication.
Addressed daily communication issues, detailing solutions and ensuring timely resolutions.
Delivered situational awareness briefings to senior management to inform decision-making.
Streamlined communication channels, improving information flow within the organisation.
Fostered cross-departmental collaboration to enhance overall workflow efficiency.
- ·Managed 16 technicians in the UK and during overseas operations.
Led team leadership and career progression initiatives.
Mentored team members to resolve issues effectively.
Conducted performance reviews to identify improvement areas.
Implemented conflict resolution strategies to enhance team dynamics.
Served as Senior Technician, providing expert guidance.
Acted as First Reporting Officer for annual team assessments.
Delegated tasks strategically to maximise productivity.
Various Junior Positions
Royal Air Force
Worldwide
1988.02 - 2004.10
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Quickly learned and applied new skills to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Improved efficiency and productivity by acquiring new skills.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
Education
Master of Science - Defence Leadership
Cranfield University
Cranfield 2021.01 - 2024.05
Master of Arts - Air Power in the Modern World
King's College London
London, England 2014.09 - 2017.04
Bachelor of Science - Engineering Management
University of Lincoln
Lincoln, England 2012.09 - 2014.05
Skills
- Problem-solving and decision-making
- Strategic planning and goal development
- Team building and coordination
- Leadership and staff management
- Motivational techniques
- Change management
- Performance data analysis
- Employee training and education
- Report writing and technical reporting
- KPI management
- Team supervision
- Priority management
- Effective communication
Certification
Chartered Engineer (CEng) British Computer Society 2025
Affiliations
- • Charity Fundraising (SSAFA Chair for Serving Commuity Team) – As part of this role, redecorated a Station Nursery. This not only involved several Project Management skills but also created a clean, sterile and bright environment for children to learn and have fun, creating a platform for a talented future.
- • Royal British Legion – Supported the Birmingham Poppy Day from 2017- 2022, acting as the RAF Lead, co-ordinating up to 200 uniformed personnel for each event, to sell poppies raising thousands for the charity.
- • Travel/ visiting new places – Understanding cultures, ethics and differences, to make me a better Leader and Manager.
- • Ancestry – where do we come from, what links do we have in the past, do our ancestors define our journey.
- • Photography – Not just a picture, but a series of disciplines to create the picture. Define, plan, execute, review and repeat.
Accomplishments
ISAF Bosnia
Afghanistan with Clasp
Queens Golden Jubilee Medal
Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal
Queens Platinum Jubilee Medal
Kings Coronation Medal
Al Udied - Commanding Officer Commendation
ISAF, Afghanistan - Commanding Officer Commendation
KNYHL 22 AOC Commendation
Meritorious Service Medal
Long Service and Good Conduct with 2 x Clasp
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Battlespace Management Engineering Role Office
Royal Air Force Boulmer
2022.11 - Current
Master of Science - Defence Leadership
Cranfield University
2021.01 - 2024.05
School Warrant Officer, No.1 Radio School
Royal Air Force Cosford
2017.04 - 2022.11
Master of Arts - Air Power in the Modern World
King's College London
2014.09 - 2017.04
Information Services Flight Manager
RAF Spadeadam
2014.04 - 2017.04
Bachelor of Science - Engineering Management
University of Lincoln
2012.09 - 2014.05
Deployable CIS Manager
NATO
2011.10 - 2014.04
Spectrum Manager, Ops Desk Lead, Team Leader
90 Signals Unit, Royal Air Force
2004.10 - 2011.10
Various Junior Positions
Royal Air Force
1988.02 - 2004.10