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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage strategic R&D projects with a dynamic team of engineers.
- Company: Join a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Technology with a stellar reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonuses, healthcare, and pension options.
- Why this job: Be part of impactful projects while mentoring and energising a talented team.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing engineering projects and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Security clearance is required; UK Nationals preferred.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
LOCATION: CHELMSFORD
SALARY: VERY COMPETITIVE BASE SALARY, PLUS BONUS, HEALTHCARE, PENSION ETC
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Our client is a market leading global organisation that special across a spectrum of Industries. These include Aerospace, Defence, Technology, Marine, Energy and many others. With sites across the globe, they have a reputation of manufacturing high end products and solutions. An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head of Programmes.
KEY JOB ACTIONS
- We are looking for a Programme Manager with drive and commitment to manage strategic R&D and customer funded projects.
- You will hit the ground running on existing projects, delivering product to customers and achieving revenue by management and leadership of a cross functional team of 10+ engineers and technical staff.
- The role is highly product based and will also include management of other projects and some bid activity.
- Managing cross-functional teams of engineers and manufacturing staff to deliver projects on time, to cost and quality.
- Ensuring that effective project management techniques are consistently applied and demonstrating adherence to project management process.
- Leading by example, showing your team how to hit targets and mentoring more junior roles.
- Forge strong relationships with customers and internal stakeholders to ensure that goals and objectives are clearly communicated, understood and executed.
- Detailed scheduling of projects in Microsoft Project and publishing into the MS Project Server system.
- Agreeing appropriate Phase Gate Reviews for Projects and ensuring they are held in a timely manner.
- Ensuring the scope of the project is clearly understood, documented and managed with the customer, external or internal.
- Identification of project risk, issues and dependencies, seeking resolution before escalation.
- Interfacing with the Finance Team to establish and monitor budget, by ensuring the availability and analysis of relevant data such as schedule derived ETCs and factored risk cost exposure.
- Preparing dashboards for each of your Projects and presenting status to the Senior Leadership Team monthly.
- Work with Business Development, Engineering and Programme Directors to develop technical and commercial solutions to customer’s requirements.
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
- Extensive experience of managing engineering projects through all or part of the lifecycle from bid to production, with an emphasis on production.
- Demonstrable experience of energising teams to meet critical timescales and deliver projects.
- Ability to manage customer expectations and avoid unwanted scope creep.
- Persuasive and clear communication skills across all levels of the business.
- Strong problem-solving capabilities.
- Sound judgement - understanding when to own and brief and when to escalate.
- Proficiency in the use and understanding of Project Management / resource tools such as MS Project and MS Project Server or other enterprise project management tool.
- A working knowledge of SAP would be beneficial.
- Knowledge and qualification in APM Body of Knowledge, PRINCE2, PMP methodologies or similar.
- Due to the nature of some of the projects you will be working on you will be eligible, or already hold, security clearance and will be a UK National.
- Able to work at pace under pressure.
Head of Programmes employer: Berkeley Resourcing Limited
Contact Detail:
Berkeley Resourcing Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Programmes
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific project management methodologies mentioned in the job description, such as APM Body of Knowledge, PRINCE2, or PMP. Being able to discuss these frameworks confidently during your interview will demonstrate your expertise and alignment with the company's expectations.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in managing cross-functional teams by preparing examples of past projects where you successfully led diverse groups. Be ready to discuss how you motivated your team and overcame challenges, as this will showcase your leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company’s recent projects and initiatives within the aerospace, defence, and technology sectors. This knowledge will not only help you tailor your responses but also show your genuine interest in the organisation and its goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to risk management and how you've handled scope creep in previous roles. Providing concrete examples will illustrate your problem-solving capabilities and sound judgement, which are crucial for the Head of Programmes position.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Programmes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in managing engineering projects, particularly those that align with the job description. Emphasise your leadership skills and any relevant project management methodologies you are familiar with.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention specific projects you've managed and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Head of Programmes position. Be sure to convey your ability to lead cross-functional teams effectively.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your proficiency in project management tools like MS Project and any relevant qualifications such as APM, PRINCE2, or PMP. This will demonstrate your capability to manage projects efficiently.
Showcase Problem-Solving Abilities: Provide examples in your application of how you've successfully navigated challenges in previous projects. Highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to manage customer expectations, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Berkeley Resourcing Limited
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with project management methodologies like PRINCE2 or PMP. Highlight specific projects where you successfully managed cross-functional teams and delivered results on time and within budget.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Qualities
As a Head of Programmes, you'll need to lead by example. Share examples of how you've motivated teams in the past, mentored junior staff, and navigated challenges to meet critical deadlines.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and persuasively, especially when discussing how you've managed customer expectations and avoided scope creep in previous projects.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about your proficiency with tools like MS Project and SAP. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to explain how you've used these tools to manage project schedules and budgets effectively.
