Role: Programmes Director

Location: Staffordshire

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Programmes Director to join a market leader within the Defence Marine industry, reporting directly to the General Manager. We are seeking an experienced leader to take charge of the Programme Management function, driving strategic direction and overseeing the planning and execution of a multi-million-pound portfolio of complex development and production programmes. This role is pivotal in ensuring the projects meet cost, schedule, and quality targets while providing leadership to the Programme Management team.

The successful candidate will serve as a key escalation point for critical issues, collaborating with project teams to resolve challenges and deliver on customer commitments. This position involves resource planning, team development, and fostering a high-performance, continuous improvement culture. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you'll play a key role in both operational and strategic decision-making, contributing to business planning, performance reporting, and managing senior customer relationships.

Key Responsibilities:

* Lead the UK Programme Management team to meet agreed project goals within set time, budget, and quality parameters.

* Collaborate with engineering and functional teams to deliver programmes, manage risks, and resolve issues.

* Plan, prioritise, and coordinate project portfolios to meet business objectives and delivery milestones.

* Establish governance for project management processes, ensuring efficient planning, execution, resource management, and risk evaluation.

* Continuously improve Programme Management tools and processes, defining the strategic approach for the business.

* Ensure the Programme Management team has the necessary capacity and capability through recruitment, training, and resource planning.

* Conduct regular programme reviews to monitor progress and make adjustments to ensure successful project delivery.

* Act as an escalation point for issues, leading problem-solving efforts to meet customer commitments.

* Mentor and manage the Programme Management leadership team.

* Maximise programme profitability by identifying cost-saving opportunities and additional funding streams.

* Contribute to the strategic direction of the business, including performance reporting, budgeting, and forecasting.

* Support the development of winning bids and proposals by providing accurate cost, schedule, and risk data.

* Act as a senior point of contact for key customer relationships.

About You:

* Significant senior-level Programme Management experience in defence technology or an engineering environment.

* A degree in a relevant field, ideally supplemented with a post-graduate qualification and knowledge of APM methodologies.

* Strong leadership, problem-solving, and negotiation skills with the ability to build high-performing teams.

* Excellent communication and relationship-building skills across all levels, both internally and externally.

* Ability to quickly understand the scope and risks of complex programmes and manage them effectively.

* High-energy, hands-on leadership approach with the ability to make fast, effective decisions under pressure.

* Proficiency in MS Office and project management tools like MS Project.

* Understanding of Waterfall, Agile, and Hybrid methodologies is desirable.

* APM Chartered Project Professional status or similar is a plus.

Benefits:

* Competitive Salary

* Up to 20% Annual Bonus

* Car Allowance

* Flexible Working

* Competitive Pension Scheme

* Family Private Medical Insurance

* & MANY MORE!

This role requires regular UK travel and occasional overseas trips.

Candidates must be eligible for SC clearance.

Join this company and lead the Programme Management function in delivering cutting-edge projects in a high-impact, strategic role. If you're ready to take on this leadership challenge, apply now