At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Terminal 5 Optimisation programme, enhancing capacity and passenger experience at Heathrow.
- Company: Heathrow, a leader in capital investment and infrastructure development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to work on major projects.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team driving innovation in aviation.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on one of the UK's largest infrastructure programmes.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale engineering projects and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 130000 £ per year.
Heathrow delivers one of the largest capital investment portfolios in the UK, with planned investment of between £1.3bn and £2bn per annum over the next five years. Accountability for delivering all non‑technology, digital, or data programmes sits within the Development function, where this role is positioned. The Programme Director is responsible for ensuring integration and alignment across internal and external functions, securing input and commitment to solutions while maintaining accountability for the delivery of intended benefits. The role also requires strong strategic capability, including shaping and supporting the development of business cases for the Customer and Operations functions.
This position holds accountability for the Terminal 5 Optimisation programme, leading a large, multidisciplinary team to deliver solutions that grow Heathrow’s capacity within a two-runway operation, enhance Terminal 5’s passenger experience and improve its operational resilience. This represents one of the biggest and most significant programmes in Heathrow’s next regulatory cycle, delivering Heathrow’s most significant near‑term capacity increase within its largest commercial and revenue‑generating asset. With a value exceeding £1.15bn, the programme also represents a foundational step in the long‑term modernisation of Terminal 5.
Responsibilities- Lead the Terminal 5 Optimisation programme, with accountability for delivering agreed outcomes in line with the approved business case, focusing on increasing capacity ahead of expansion, enhancing passenger experience and improving resilience.
- Define and shape programme solutions to meet business needs, ensuring they remain operable and maintainable throughout the full asset lifecycle, from initial delivery through to long‑term use.
- Provide strategic governance and assurance, maintaining programme integrity, compliance with agreed commitments, and alignment with Heathrow’s corporate standards.
- Enable effective and timely decision‑making, managing complex stakeholder relationships to set a clear strategic direction across planning, resource management, issue resolution, quality, governance, change control, risk management, communications, and budget oversight.
- Lead and inspire a high‑performing programme team, including approximately 100 directly employed colleagues and up to c.300 supply chain contributors, establishing a clear vision and roadmap to deliver programme objectives within a complex and highly scrutinised environment.
- Hold direct accountability for the programme’s capital budget (in excess of £300m), ensuring delivery against the approved business case and influencing the remaining wider construction delivery budget through scope definition and the realisation of capital efficiency opportunities.
- Proven experience leading complex, large‑scale engineering or infrastructure programmes with a value in excess of £1bn.
- Strong problem‑solving capability, with a track record of applying rigorous and analytical thinking to complex challenges, delivering innovative and practical solutions.
- Expertise in stakeholder engagement, with the ability to build strong relationships and influence at senior levels across airlines, customers, government, and regulatory bodies.
- Solid understanding of strategic frameworks, governance, and commercial principles.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire large, multidisciplinary teams, including effective procurement and supplier management across complex delivery environments, supported by strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills.
- Expertise in industry‑standard programme and project management methodologies and tools, with the ability to adapt approaches to suit different delivery contexts and drive effective, value‑focused outcomes.
- Experience leading and delivering mega infrastructure projects.
- Experience operating within the aviation sector.
- Chartered Engineer status or equivalent experience delivering large-scale construction projects.
Programme Director - T5O in Hounslow employer: 慨正橡扯
Heathrow Airport is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive training and development opportunities, ensuring our team members are equipped to lead significant projects like the Terminal 5 Optimisation programme. Our culture prioritises inclusivity and teamwork, making Heathrow not just a workplace, but a community dedicated to enhancing the passenger experience and operational excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Director - T5O in Hounslow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks who work at Heathrow or in similar roles. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand Heathrow’s vision and how the Terminal 5 Optimisation programme fits into their long-term goals. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Programme Director. Highlight your leadership skills and any relevant projects you've managed, especially those involving large-scale infrastructure or engineering.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about wanting to be part of the Heathrow team. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Director - T5O in Hounslow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with large-scale engineering or infrastructure programmes. We want to see how your skills align with the specific requirements of the Programme Director role at Heathrow.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a large, multidisciplinary team, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've inspired teams and managed complex stakeholder relationships in your previous roles.
Highlight Problem-Solving Abilities:We’re looking for someone with strong problem-solving capabilities. Include specific instances where you’ve tackled complex challenges and delivered innovative solutions, especially in high-pressure environments.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Heathrow.
How to prepare for a job interview at 慨正橡扯
✨Know Your Programme Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the Terminal 5 Optimisation programme. Understand its goals, challenges, and how it fits into Heathrow's broader strategy. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led large, multidisciplinary teams in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire and manage complex stakeholder relationships, as this role requires strong leadership to navigate a highly scrutinised environment.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Prepare to talk about your experience with strategic governance and assurance. Share instances where you've shaped business cases or made decisions that positively impacted project outcomes. This will illustrate your capability to align with Heathrow’s corporate standards.
✨Engage with Stakeholders Effectively
Think of examples where you've successfully engaged with senior stakeholders, including airlines and regulatory bodies. Discuss your approach to building relationships and influencing decisions, as this is crucial for the Programme Director role.
