Dr. Paul Needham, FREng,PhD, CEng, FIET

Examiner
DISC Type : cs

Head of Engineering for Air & Space Products & Chief Engineer doe Historic Aircraft at BAE Systems

United Kingdom

Overview

Paul is a distinguished aeronautical engineer at BAE Systems, where he is the Head of Engineering for Air and Space Products. With a career spanning nearly 40 years, he has made significant contributions to major aircraft programmes like the F-35 Lightning II. He is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and holds a PhD from the University of Huddersfield.

Paul has a deep passion for aviation history, serving as the Chief Engineer for BAE Systems Historic Aircraft fleet. In this role, he leads the team that supports iconic aircraft, including the Lancaster bomber from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, ensuring their preservation and continued airworthiness.

He began his distinguished career as a shop floor apprentice with British Aerospace in 1985 before becoming a world-class engineer.

Personality Overview

Unexpressive

Status Quo Seeker

Overcautious

They are heavily focused on quality and prefer doing things the right way, even if it takes time.  They are thorough and always follow a systematic approach. The only way to convince them is by showing them examples and ample proof.

Topics They Care About

Aerospace Innovation
He is responsible for developing strategic solutions for the next generation of air and space products at BAE Systems, shaping the future of the industry.
Historic Aircraft
As Chief Engineer for the historic fleet, he is deeply involved in preserving and supporting iconic aircraft like the Avro Lancaster bomber.
Engineering Education
Starting as an apprentice, he now holds a PhD and serves as a Visiting Professor at the University of Huddersfield, mentoring the next generation of engineers.

Media Appearances

Paul Needham elected as Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering – BAE Systems. Featured in BAE Systems

See Now

Work History

9-2020
Head of Engineering for Air & Space Products & Chief Engineer doe Historic Aircraft at BAE Systems
6-2018 - 11-2022
Head Of Engineering at BAE Systems
8-1985 - 11-2022
Engineering Manager at BAE Systems
11-2015
Visiting Professor at University of Huddersfield

Education

Honorary Doctor of the University from The University of Huddersfield
2003 - 2008
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from The University of Huddersfield

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 40 Location : United Kingdom Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Head of Engineering for Air & Space Products & Chief Engineer doe Historic Aircraft at BAE Systems
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Insights For Selling To Dr. Paul

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Ask them which other stakeholders would be important for this purchase decision
  • Expect them to be slow and cautious, encourage them to ask more questions
  • Expect them to be vague in response to your questions, ask firmly and pointedly

DONT's

  • Avoid getting into storytelling mode, especially when they ask specific questions
  • Don't rely on relationship building even if they act pleasantly
  • Don't push them too hard to make fast decisions, give them time

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Dr. Paul is

  • Low-risk, adoption by others are very important to them, followed by confidence in ROI.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Dr. Paul

  • They are unlikely to say no, it's better to stop yourself once you have exhausted all the options.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Dr. Paul move?

  • They do not like to rush and therefore can be quite slow in their decision-making.
  • Can Dr. Paul take some risk or not?

  • They have little risk-appetite and prefer to take measured decisions.

You And Dr. Paul

Personality Compatibility


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