OpenWorks has formalised its widely recognised relationship-led approach to providing through-life technical support with the creation of a new team that will lead the company’s customer service efforts.
Having spent 30 years in the Royal Air Force as a communications and cyberspace engineer, and with over five years of customer-facing management experience at OpenWorks, the team’s new head of department, Mr Ian Rodley, is well positioned to deliver on the company’s commitment to ensuring the effective deployment and longevity of its products. He is joined by trusted engineers across a range of disciplines who provide protected resource to support existing customers.
Ian’s career in the Royal Air Force saw him join as a Communications Engineer before moving into planning, capability management and technology analysis. This led to senior positions as Chief of Staff at 90 Signals Unit and as Head of In-Service Support for Air Defence Systems at the RAF Headquarters.
The new team will focus its efforts on early-stage integration of equipment in support of customer deployments, training, spares provision and servicing of customer systems throughout their lifetime. With more than 100 Vision Flex systems deployed on five continents, and with two new products now in the hands of end-users, the Customer Service and Technical Support team will play a critical role in reinforcing OpenWorks’ position as a trusted partner.
“We recognise that delivering intelligent systems that integrate with complex mission sets requires a long-term, partnership-led approach. C-UAS and Air Defence must be approached with a cross-industry team mentality. It’s why we focus so heavily on developing key relationships with like-minded technology providers. We’re playing our part in supporting that wider team with investment in this department.” – Chief Commercial Officer at OpenWorks, James Cross.
“Having supported the introduction of systems like the LTR-25 mobile air-defence radar into service during my time in the UK MOD, I have a strong understanding of what it takes to make sure that the systems that our end-users deploy are reliable and that they provide an enduring defensive capability. Our customers need to know that they have a partner on-hand to provide effective support as they battle the increasing threat from drones.” – Head of Customer Service and Technical Support at OpenWorks, Ian Rodley.
Recruitment is underway to strengthen the team which comprises mechanical and software engineers. It is anticipated that investment in the new team alone will create a further three jobs in the North East of England in 2026.
