Derek Forsyth

Background

About Derek Forsyth

I am an experienced business operations manager and systems engineering consultant with an extensive record of both managing business operations and leading programmes and projects. My career has taken me from frontline operations in the Royal Navy, to teaching mechanics, technicians, and engineering graduates, through operational management within the MoD, and finally into Engineering Consulting and Business Operations Management in industry. As a result, I have gained a comprehensive understanding of Engineering & Management across a broad range of industries, including defence, aerospace, civil nuclear and transportation (particularly rail). By combining decisive and dynamic leadership with a deep technical knowledge I can influence programme outcomes with real credibility, while maintaining strict alignment with overarching organisational aims. My charisma, articulation, and ability to persuade lend themselves to leadership in continually changing and growing businesses, particularly in the face of interpersonal and organisational resistance. I am able to delegate authority appropriately, and enjoy the challenges of problem solving, and motivating both individuals and teams to ensure delivery in accordance with organisational aims, timescales, and budgets. Areas of Expertise - Practiced in gaining customer/stakeholder confidence; able to engage from the top to bottom organisationally, in a wide range of situations and environments- Adept at planning project programmes and resources; including monitoring & controlling the project risks & finances and the management of project personnel- Financially astute; demonstrating a rigorous approach to financial management, being fully able to articulate the financial position of any project or business functions, concisely to a range of audiences - Able to build and organise enthusiastic and successful teams, capable of achieving organisational aims in arduous conditions, limited time scales and restricted budgets- Business Transformation: I have led several transformation programmes. These have ranged from changes to business processes and practices to jointly managing the integration of Sula Systems Ltd into Jacobs UK Ltd as part of an M&A- Supplier management; well-practised in managing all aspects of contract negotiation, performance management, and delivery- As a practised Systems Thinker, with a comprehensive understanding of Systems Engineering, Systems Safety, and their management, I can provide both Independent Advice and lead on their delivery.