At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex aerospace programmes and drive strategic initiatives for innovative technology.
- Company: Aalto HAPS, a pioneer in solar-powered high-altitude connectivity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health benefits, flexible hours, and a vibrant team culture.
- Other info: Join a rapidly expanding business backed by Airbus with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of sustainable connectivity and work with world-class experts.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in programme management and exceptional communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 85000 £ per year.
Location: Farnborough
Department: Programme Management Office (PMO) / Fleet Technologies
Reports To: Senior Director, Programme Management
Position Type: Full-time
About Aalto HAPS: At Aalto, we are redefining the future of global connectivity and earth observation. As the Airbus-backed pioneer of Zephyr - the world’s leading solar-powered High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) - our aircraft fly in the stratosphere for months at a time, bridging the gap between satellites and traditional aircraft. We are building a clean, sustainable, and revolutionary aerospace ecosystem.
Role Purpose: As a Programme Manager at Aalto, you will lead and coordinate complex, high-stakes programmes and strategic initiatives across the organisation. Working at the intersection of cutting-edge aerospace engineering and global business scaling, you will ensure successful delivery against business objectives, timelines, budgets, and uncompromised quality standards.
Key Responsibilities:
- Programme Leadership & Delivery: Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of complex aerospace and strategic corporate initiatives. Develop and maintain robust programme roadmaps, delivery plans, and governance frameworks. Drive accountability across multiple project workstreams to ensure successful delivery.
- Stakeholder Management & Communication: Act as a trusted partner to programme sponsors, executive leaders, and external aerospace partners. Facilitate seamless communication and collaboration between internal teams, suppliers, and international stakeholders. Prepare and present executive-level reporting packs, programme updates, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
- Governance, Schedule & Financial Control: Establish and maintain rigorous programme governance structures and reporting mechanisms. Develop integrated plans covering multiple projects, proactively identifying critical dependencies and mitigating risks. Oversee programme budgets and forecasts, ensuring effective financial control, cost optimization, and maximum value creation.
- Resource, Risk & Quality Assurance: Work with functional leaders to optimize resource allocation, capacity planning, and identify workforce constraints. Lead programme-level risk, issue, and change management, establishing clear escalation paths. Ensure all deliverables meet stringent aerospace quality standards and promote continuous improvement methodologies across the PMO.
What We Are Looking For:
- Essential Experience & Skills: Significant experience leading complex programmes, portfolios, or large-scale business initiatives within fast-paced, evolving environments. Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with a proven ability to influence and engage executive-level audiences. Deep understanding of programme governance, risk management, and commercial/financial acumen. Strong analytical, planning, and prioritization capabilities with the agility to manage multiple overlapping project workstreams simultaneously. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and modern project/programme management tools. Formal programme management qualification (e.g., MSP, PRINCE2 Practitioner, PMP, Agile, or equivalent). Experience working within an aerospace, deep-tech, PMO, or large-scale transformation environment. Experience managing international, cross-functional engineering or operational programmes.
Key Competencies for Success:
- Strategic Thinking & Delivery Focus: Balancing the big-picture organizational strategy with a relentless drive for execution.
- Commercial Acumen: Managing budgets and resources with an eye toward value creation.
- Collaboration & Relationship Building: Uniting diverse, highly technical engineering teams and commercial entities under a singular mission.
Why Join Aalto?
- Impact: Shape a technology that provides green, sustainable connectivity to unconnected regions and critical data for climate monitoring.
- Innovation: Work with world-class experts in a highly collaborative, cutting-edge aerospace environment.
- Growth: Career development opportunities in a rapidly expanding business with strong backing from Airbus.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, flexible working hours, and a vibrant international team culture.
How to Apply: Ready to guide the future of stratospheric flight? Click Apply Now to submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your experience leading complex, cross-functional programmes. Aalto is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Programme Manager
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with AALTO for a Senior Programme Manager. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Programme Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at AALTO, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At AALTO, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at AALTO
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with AALTO.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with AALTO. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like AALTO love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
