Program Manager

Program Manager

Location: Bicester

Salary: £52,500 per annum

The Role

The Program Manager is a critical role within the Customer Solutions Engineering team, responsible for driving systematic market penetration, managing complex projects, and ensuring successful execution of customer programs within the Aerospace and Defense sales segment. This role involves overseeing customer acquisition, sales of complete technical solutions, and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to deliver innovative and competitive solutions across H+S’s core technologies: RF, FO, and LF.

The Program Manager will lead cross-functional teams to execute complex customer projects, optimize project margins, and build long-term relationships with customers. This position ensures alignment with the company’s strategic objectives and delivers high-quality service throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Customer Solutions Engineering team to deliver new designs, modify existing designs, and provide technical data in support of business opportunities.
• Manage and execute complex customer projects, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery in international environments.
• Lead multi-functional project teams (including H+S, customers, suppliers, and third parties).
• Develop and manage the implementation strategy to grow the systems/project business.
• Promote standardized or customized products and solutions to enhance global competitiveness.
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with customers and project stakeholders.
• Translate customer needs into tailored products, services, or solutions (Design-In).
• Use project and risk management tools to maximize financial and strategic objectives.
• Drive proactive margin optimization through change management and claim management.
• Ensure high customer satisfaction through excellent delivery performance and quality.
• Provide regular communication and reporting to customers and internal stakeholders.
• Manage deviations, lead recovery plans, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Support the business development strategy and ensure solutions are engineered for application fit and manufacturing simplicity.

Team Responsibilities (Customer Solutions Engineering):

• Design and modify their products to meet customer requirements.
• Provide engineering support to Manufacturing, Program Management, and Sales.
• Interface directly with customers to provide technical design and required services.
• Collaborate with third parties to deliver integrated technical solutions.
• Conduct cost calculations and business valuations to support bids and proposals.

Main tasks, duties, authorisation limits and deputy functions:

• Lead and support bids for multi-million Euro projects and programs, including oversight of commercial and contract management activities.
• Develop and implement strategic initiatives for Systems Engineering across EMEA to align with business objectives and drive growth.
• Oversee customer engagements, including audits, capability assessments, and the resolution of non-conformities, ensuring compliance and fostering strong customer relationships.
• Chair program and project board meetings, providing direction, resolving escalations, and ensuring alignment with project goals.
• Maintain regular communication with customers, ensuring satisfaction and addressing any issues promptly and effectively.
• Coordinate and align stakeholders, both internal and external, to streamline processes and ensure successful project delivery.
• Provide comprehensive program management support throughout the entire project lifecycle, from initiation to closure.
• Ensure adherence to company policies and procedures, including Delegation of Authority (DOA) and other governance frameworks.
• Undertake ad hoc duties and responsibilities as needed to support organizational priorities and project success.

Skills and Qualifications

• Quick learner with a solution-oriented and pragmatic mindset.
• Self-driven and able to work independently.
• Flexible, resilient, and adaptable to dynamic environments.
• Proven communication skills with the ability to manage diverse cultures in international teams.
• Structured and capable of managing complexity.
• Integrity and leadership by example.
• Strong relationship-building skills with customers and team members.
• Knowledge of project management principles (IPMA C level or higher preferred).
• Experience with industrial system projects in international environments.
• Engineering knowledge and/or relevant technical background.
• Proficiency in German and English (ILR Level 3 or higher).
• Commercial knowledge in business administration.
• Advanced computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including reports, forecasts, and presentations.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for this reputable company, please click applyto be redirected to their website to complete your application.