Morgan Hayward
Christchurch,Dorset
Summary
Accomplished strategic leader with 10+ years of experience across Defence, National Security and Space. Currently Chief of Staff and trusted adviser to the Director of International Business Development at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence, leading executive governance, organisational performance, cross-functional transformation and senior stakeholder engagement across global operations. Recognised for translating strategic intent into measurable outcomes, influencing senior leaders, and delivering results in complex, politically sensitive environments.
Overview
3
3
Languages
10
10
years of professional experience
Work history
Chief of Staff - International
BAE Systems Digital Intelligence
2025.04 - Current
- Strategic advisor to the Director, International Business Development including delegation of authority, provision of leadership advice to Heads of Region and driving executive leadership team engagement across the Group
- Established and maintained trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, including UK and Foreign Governments, Defence organisations, and Industrial Partnerships, enhancing collaboration and strategic partnerships.
- Led strategic, cross-functional programmes as delegate to the Director, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and maximising business value.
- Ensured accountability and optimal performance by establishing robust operational frameworks and reporting cadence
- Directed talent acquisition strategies, resulting in recruitment of top industry professionals aligned with organisational goals.
- Led the production of executive briefings, board-level reporting and Integrated Business Planning submissions
International Growth Programme Manager
BAE Systems Digital Intelligence
2023.07 - 2025.03
- Lead the development and execution of a Sales and Operations strategy for International business (Defence), including top-level responsibility for the resultant pipeline (c.£300m), Group Integrated Baseline Plan input and financial projections
- Developed International Growth strategy while owning Campaign Lead responsibilities for Canada and NATO Campaign
- Ensuring growth of pipeline in line with outline business strategy: Market expansion in home and strategic markets; Exploitation of emerging market trends
- Portfolio management of full pipeline, with budgetary responsibility and key account relationships
- Internal and External strategic relationship management to progress Customer intimacy and enable valuable industry partnerships
- Co-ordinated with CTIO and Product Organisations to influence strategic M&A and investment in technology start-ups, SMEs, and industry/academia partnerships (i.e. Canada IDEAS, NATO DIANA)
Project and Programme Manager
BAE Systems C5ISR (Defence)
2016.06 - 2023.06
- End-to-end project and programme management for high-value, strategic UK MoD programmes across the Armed Forces. Including, but not limited to: Deployed Tactical Communications, Underwater Battlespace, Critical National Infrastructure and Secure Comms.
- Supported implementation of ownership model for core programme at MoD Corsham, resulting in removal of almost 4 years of technical debt from programme baseline within 4 months and realisation of value across multiple work-streams.
- Restructured management processes for failing sub-contractor, regaining project velocity and ensuring successful delivery.
- Led team and managed project management office to enhance delivery capabilities.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences
Bournemouth University
Skills
- Strategic leadership
- Senior Stakeholder Management
- Executive decision-making
- Corporate governance
- Budget preparation
- Business transformation
- Executive communication
- Developing and motivating people
Languages
Afrikaans
Elementary
French
Intermediate
English
Native
Accomplishments
· AMP PMP, APM PMQ, Prince2 and Agile Foundation certification
· Graduate of Oxford Said Business School/BAE Systems Entrepreneur Development Programme (2024)
· Graduate of BAES Emerging Female Leadership Programme (2022)
· Founder and lead of BAES DI Military Outreach Working Group and DI Veterans Insights Days
Community Leadership
2019 – Present - Director of East Dorset Dockers RFC
2025 - Board of Trustees for Helping Homeless Veterans-UK
2024 – 2025 Chairwoman of EDDRFC Youth and Mini
2020 – 2022 Women and Girls Leadership Council for England RFU
Timeline
Chief of Staff - International
BAE Systems Digital Intelligence
2025.04 - Current
International Growth Programme Manager
BAE Systems Digital Intelligence
2023.07 - 2025.03
Project and Programme Manager
BAE Systems C5ISR (Defence)
2016.06 - 2023.06
Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences
Bournemouth University