Programme Director

Programmes Director – Up to £110,000 per year plus package – Stafford (Hybrid)FryerMiles are delighted to be working with a global defence business to assist with the recruitment of a Programmes Director to join their team based in Stafford. This is a full time onsite role in Stafford.The successful candidate will be responsible for leadership of the Programme Management function, setting the strategic direction for the business’s approach to Programme Management, and leading the PM team to plan and execute a multi-million-pound portfolio of complex development and production programmes in line with cost, schedule and quality targets. 

The Programmes Director will be responsible for resource planning and allocation to meet business commitments, and for the leadership and development of all PM staff.  Driving a high-performance and continuous improvement culture, they will identify and implement improvements to maximise the effectiveness and maturity of the PM function.

As a member of the SLT, the Programmes Director will play a key operational and strategic leadership role within the business, including contributing to strategic planning, business performance reporting, budgeting and forecasting, and managing senior customer relationships.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the UK Programme Management team to achieve the agreed programme and project goals in line with schedule, cost and quality targets.
• Work closely with the Engineering leadership team and other functional leads to deliver programmes, proactively identify and manage risks and opportunities, and resolve issues.
• Prioritise, co-ordinate and plan the project portfolio activities to achieve all agreed business objectives and delivery milestones.
• Develop and provide governance of PM processes to ensure effective project planning, programme execution, cost / schedule / resource management, evaluation and management of project risks, and accurate progress reporting.
• Identify and implement improvements to PM tools and processes, setting the strategy for the overall PM approach within the business.
• Ensure sufficient capability and capacity within the PM team through resource planning, recruitment, training and development as required to deliver business commitments.
• Hold regular programme reviews to monitor progress against key project and programme commitments, and to course-correct where necessary to ensure the successful delivery of projects.
• Act as an escalation route for issues and decisions, leading problem-solving activities to resolve issues and meet customer commitments.
• Act as line manager, coach and mentor to the PM leadership team.
• Work closely with the customer and with internal teams to maximise profitability of programmes through cost reduction, negotiation of extra funding, identification of additional order opportunities etc.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the UK business.
• Participate in business performance reporting, budgeting and forecasting.
• Contribute PM strategy and participate in reviews to develop and deliver winning bids and proposals, ensuring the provision of accurate cost, schedule and risk information.
• Act as a senior point of contact for key customer relationships.

Qualifications / Skills Required

• Significant Programme Management experience at a senior level in a defence technology / engineering environment.
• Appropriate degree in a relevant discipline, ideally enhanced by a further post-graduate qualification and working knowledge of APM methodologies.
• Key skills will include influencing and negotiating, conflict resolution, priority setting, problem solving and the ability to build proficient and effective teams.
• Ability to build strong relationships and communicate effectively at all levels with internal and external stakeholders.
• The technical / systems understanding necessary to quickly understand the scope and depth of large, complex programmes, and their associated risks and opportunities.
• Display high energy and personal impact; be prepared to adopt a ‘sleeves rolled up’ leadership approach.
• Ability to solve complex problems at pace and make effective decisions under pressure.
• Knowledge and practical experience of best practice in Project Management techniques.
• High level of commercial and business awareness, customer focus and sales orientation.
• Excellent organisational, interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Adept in use of MS Office, working knowledge of PM software e.g. MS Project.
• Understanding of Waterfall, Agile and Hybrid delivery methodologies is desirable.
• APM Chartered Project Professional status or similar is desirable.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an established Programmes Director looking to join a globally renowned business on their next growth phase.Contact us today to discuss this role in more detailProgrammes Director – Up to £110,000 per year plus package – Stafford (Hybrid)