Programme Manager

Programme Manager
 
Take full ownership of complex, high-value programmes that keep critical aviation and defence technology on track.
 
This is a Programme Manager role for someone who delivers, on schedule, on budget, to specification.
 
As a Programme Manager you will take sole responsibility for the delivery of high-value, technically complex programmes for an established manufacturer of mission-critical equipment for the aviation and defence sectors. From bid through to delivery, you will own the schedule, the budget, the risk and the customer relationship, making sure each programme lands on time, on cost and to specification. This is accountability in the real sense. You will lead cross-functional teams, work directly with senior customers and your own executive team, and be trusted to keep demanding programmes predictable and under control. If you take pride in bringing order to complexity and delivering what you promised, this role will give you plenty to get hold of.
 
Job Responsibilities

• Taking full accountability for delivering assigned programmes to specification, budget and schedule
• Owning programme performance, including revenue, cash milestones and customer satisfaction
• Producing and maintaining the Programme Management Plan, schedule and work breakdown structure
• Assembling and leading cross-functional project teams, resolving resource conflicts as they arise
• Monitoring progress against the baseline and taking corrective action to keep programmes on track
• Managing budgets and estimates to complete, and reporting any margin deviations monthly
• Owning the risk register, running regular risk reviews and managing contingency funds
• Reviewing contract documentation and resolving issues with the commercial and delivery teams
• Presenting programme status at programme reviews and watch lists, and reporting to senior management
• Supporting bids by extracting requirements, building schedules, costing and shaping winning proposals
• Working directly with customers and senior stakeholders throughout the programme lifecycle

 
Skills and Experience

• Expertise in MS Project to manage cost and schedule adherence, which is essential
• Experience using a range of project controls, tools and metrics, which is essential
• The ability to hold and maintain UK Government security clearance, holding SC clearance with a willingness to go higher
• A valid UK passport and driving licence, with a willingness to undertake some international travel
• Demonstrable experience managing advanced electronic systems or equipment design projects with significant customer interfacing
• A professional project management qualification, or strong, demonstrable project management experience
• Experience of bid and proposal work on high-value, complex deliverables
• A good understanding of contractual terms, ideally including UK MOD and government contracts
• The ability to lead and motivate cross-functional teams and mentor junior project managers
• Strong analytical, communication and negotiation skills, comfortable interfacing up to executive level
• A degree-level education, ideally with an MBA, which is desirable
• Experience of software or electronic hardware development, and of export licensing across the UK, EU and US, which is desirable

 
Pay and Benefits
As a Programme Manager you will receive:

• Competitive salary

• 5 hours per week
• Flexitime with core hours between 09:30 and 15:00
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Enhanced pension scheme with up to 8% company contribution
• Private healthcare
• Life assurance
• Cycle to work scheme
• Subsidised staff canteen
• Free on-site parking
• Option to buy or sell annual leave
• Liberty Days allowing short notice annual leave requests
• Long service and retirement awards
• Flu vaccinations
• Training and continuous professional development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support

 
Ready to apply?
Programmes like these do not run themselves, and the people who can be trusted to deliver them are rare. This is the chance to own complex, high-value work that genuinely matters, with real accountability, senior exposure and the autonomy to run it your way. If you are a Programme Manager who delivers what you promise and wants programmes worth delivering, this is one to act on. Apply now.