Benjamin Thorp
Bristol,United Kingdom
Summary
Results-oriented Director with a solid background in managing complex MoD contracts in a Blue Chip engineering company. Over 30 years of experience in marine electrical and automation sectors, including 15 years as a Royal Navy engineer. Demonstrates strong communication skills that align team efforts with strategic goals. Instrumental in creating marine autonomy product strategies and obtaining MoD R&D funding, enhancing innovation and operational success.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
8010
8010
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Director NautIQ Solutions (UK)
Rolls-Royce Power Systems
Bristol, UK
2020.01 - 2026.01
- Programme Director for £150M submarine electrical programme; MoD Single Source contract, leading delivery team >100 people. High level collaboration with BAES Customer and internal Rolls-Royce stakeholders to achieve accelerated delivery dates. Led commercial negotiations to restructure contract to Firm Price, generated elevated net-profit beyond initial forecast.
- Bid Director for £300M next generation submarine electrical equipment programme. Led negotiations with BAES and MoD to establish small but significant sovereign capability for electrical aftermarket on US hardware, dealing with ITAR issues.
- In collaboration with CGI, won MoD DAS Intelligent Ship - Phase 3 for development of autonomous control of Uncrewed Surface Vessel power and propulsion system that optimised and demonstrated Human-Autonomy Teaming. Key focus was the integration with mission and navigation AI agents for context and then arbitration of Courses of Action to meet Command Aim.
- Accountable for P&L for electrical, automation & autonomy programmes and aftermarket. Responsible for Sales and Order Intake and strategic product development.
- Identified and capitalised on growth opportunities in the market.
General Manager (Electrics, Automation & Control)
Rolls-Royce
Portsmouth, UK
2015.07 - 2019.12
- Directed a £15m EA&C business with full P&L responsibility for a separate legal entity consisting of over 50 team members in cross-functional roles.
- Accountable to the board for the strategic development and execution of EA&C initiatives.
- Oversaw the successful delivery of operational excellence programmes with an annual revenue of around £15m.
- Championed the market-led product development of an autonomous marine propulsion system, securing a small MOD development programme.
Propulsion System Engineering Manager
Rolls-Royce Naval
Bristol, UK
2013.01 - 2015.01
- Directed development of £600m electrical engineering proposal for Type 26 frigate hybrid PSI contract, overseeing detailed design, commissioning, and aftermarket processes for BAES.
- Led a global team of 15 Rolls-Royce engineers in accurately costing all engineering and programme activities.
- Managed integration of hybrid electrical propulsion system within DSME delivery team for Korean FFX B2 frigate and PKX fast attack craft, ensuring seamless collaboration.
Marine Services Manager
Rolls-Royce Marine
Bergen, Norway
2011.01 - 2013.01
- Spearheaded development of innovative concepts for integrating customer maintenance management systems with Rolls-Royce Enterprise Resource Planner.
- Championed business case initiatives aimed at achieving £30-40m in increased aftermarket sales from commercial marine operators.
- Led cross-functional collaboration to ensure alignment with strategic objectives and market needs.
Integration Manager Aircraft Carrier Programme (QEC)
Rolls-Royce Naval
Bristol, UK
2007.01 - 2011.01
- Directed customer-facing systems engineering management for all RR QEC products within £120m contract.
- Negotiated and secured comprehensive engineering contract for RR elements of QEC within an alliancing risk/reward partnership.
- Led and coordinated RR engineering initiatives across international project teams to achieve successful contract execution.
Marine Engineer Officer
Royal Navy
1992.01 - 2007.01
- Directed engineering teams across various marine engineering management roles both at sea and ashore, culminating in appointment as senior engineer on aircraft carrier overseeing safety and operational availability of propulsion plant.
Education
Ship Management Diploma -
Lloyds Register
Association of Project Management Professionals Practitioner -
APM
Prince 2 Practitioner - undefined
Chartered Engineer and Member -
IMarEST
MSc - Marine Engineering (Electrical)
University College London
BEng(Hons) (2:1) - Marine Engineering
Royal Naval Engineering College
/1992 - 1995.01
Skills
- Clear business leadership tested in complex programme management and contract negotiation
- Generation of product strategic vision based on competitive market analysis
- Developed communication and presentational skills for senior internal/external stakeholder engagements
- Sound comprehension of electrical, automation & autonomy markets with good familiarity of product technology
- Effective portfolio management, delivery of results and customer satisfaction against challenging constraints
Timeline
Director NautIQ Solutions (UK)
Rolls-Royce Power Systems
2020.01 - 2026.01
General Manager (Electrics, Automation & Control)
Rolls-Royce
2015.07 - 2019.12
Propulsion System Engineering Manager
Rolls-Royce Naval
2013.01 - 2015.01
Marine Services Manager
Rolls-Royce Marine
2011.01 - 2013.01
Integration Manager Aircraft Carrier Programme (QEC)
Rolls-Royce Naval
2007.01 - 2011.01
Marine Engineer Officer
Royal Navy
1992.01 - 2007.01
Prince 2 Practitioner - undefined
Ship Management Diploma -
Lloyds Register
Association of Project Management Professionals Practitioner -
APM
Chartered Engineer and Member -
IMarEST
MSc - Marine Engineering (Electrical)
University College London
BEng(Hons) (2:1) - Marine Engineering
Royal Naval Engineering College
/1992 - 1995.01