At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and oversee aerospace programmes, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality standards.
- Company: Join a leading aerospace company focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to excellence and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in the aerospace industry while working with top professionals.
- Qualifications: Extensive leadership experience in aerospace and strong programme management skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
The Programme Director is responsible for the strategic leadership, governance, and delivery performance of all customer programmes across ACS UK’s aircraft interiors portfolio. The Programme Director ensures that programmes are delivered on time, to schedule, to cost, to contracted scope, to the required aerospace quality and certification standards and with strong customer alignment throughout the lifecycle. The Programme Director will foster collaboration across Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality and Commercial functions in all programme related sites to ensure fully integrated programme delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Programme Strategy & Governance
- Define and lead the enterprise-wide programme management strategy, processes, and governance frameworks.
- Establish standardised stage-gate, risk management, change control, and reporting mechanisms across all product lines.
- Ensure compliance with aerospace regulations, customer requirements, and internal quality standards.
- Drive consistent performance management through KPIs covering cost, schedule, quality, certification status, risk exposure, and customer satisfaction.
- Leadership of Programme Delivery
- Provide senior oversight of all ACS UK programmes, including new product introductions (NPIs), major production programmes, modifications, and after-market projects.
- Lead the Head of NPI, the Head of Programme Delivery and Programme Managers to ensure robust planning, resource management and cross-functional execution.
- Ensure integrated teams for NPI and Programme Delivery are effective and provide a robust framework for Design for Manufacture, Standardisation, Schedule Control, Process Adherence, Programme Gateway and Change Sign Off, Escalation Management and Cost Oversight.
- Resolve escalations, remove roadblocks, and ensure decisions are made at the right level and pace.
- Maintain strong alignment between programme delivery and Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, and Commercial teams.
- Customer Engagement & Relationship Management
- Act as the senior point of contact for key airline and OEM customers on programme-related matters.
- Lead customer governance forums, programme reviews, and strategic alignment sessions.
- Ensure customer expectations are understood, managed, and exceeded through proactive communication and transparent risk/opportunity management.
- Financial & Commercial Ownership
- Own programme budgets, forecasts, and profitability performance.
- Ensure robust cost control, EAC (estimate at completion) management, and early escalation of variances.
- Work with the Head of Commercial and Head of Finance to shape commercial models, contract structures, and recovery plans.
- Oversee claims, concessions, and contract amendments, ensuring commercial protection and value capture.
- Cross-Functional Integration & Organisational Effectiveness
- Drive alignment between engineering design, industrialisation, supply chain readiness, and manufacturing capability to ensure smooth programme execution.
- Work closely with the Chief Technical Officer and Head of NPI to ensure technical solutions meet programme deliverables.
- Ensure Operations, Planning, Supply Chain, and Quality functions are fully prepared for programme milestones, certification events, and manufacturing ramp-up.
- Shape workforce planning, competencies, and resource allocation for programme teams.
- Risk, Change & Issue Management
- Establish clear, proactive risk management and mitigation processes.
- Oversee engineering and production change control, ensuring stability and cost/schedule control.
- Lead recovery plans for at-risk programmes and implement systemic improvements across the portfolio.
- Strategic Leadership & Business Growth
- Contribute to ACS UK’s long-term strategy, product development roadmap, and global operating model.
- Identify opportunities for efficiency, standardisation, and organisational maturity in programme execution.
- Support M&A integration or international expansion initiatives where programme governance is required.
- Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration.
Skills, Experience & Attributes
- Knowledge:
- Extensive senior leadership experience in aerospace, aviation interiors, or complex engineered products.
- Proven track record delivering multi-year programmes with stringent certification, cost, and schedule requirements.
- Experience managing large cross-functional teams in a matrix environment.
- Technical & Professional Skills:
- Strong command of programme governance frameworks (APQP, stage-gate, risk management).
- Deep understanding of engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain processes.
- Sound commercial acumen, including contract and financial management.
- Ability to interpret technical data, certification pathways, and production readiness indicators.
- Leadership Qualities:
- Highly collaborative leader capable of influencing across functions and geographies.
- Decisive, structured, and transparent in communication.
- Customer-focused with a strong sense of accountability and urgency.
- Able to drive organisational maturity, cultural alignment, and high-performance behaviours.
Key Relationships & Interaction:
- CEO (direct reporting)
- Chief Technical Officer
- Head of Operations
- Head of Engineering (GB & NZ)
- Head of Supply Chain
- Head of Quality (QHSE)
- Head of Commercial & Aftermarket
- Head of NPI
- Head of Programme Delivery
- Chief Coordination Officer (UK–China synergy)
Please note; Numerous positions at AVIC Cabin Systems UK LTD are governed by security and export control regulations. These rules indicate that elements such as your nationality/any prior nationalities you may have held, and your birthplace can influence the positions you are qualified to undertake within the organisation. All candidates must at least meet the baseline personnel security standard. Additionally, certain roles demand elevated levels of National security vetting. ACS UK ltd is an equal opportunities employer.
Programme Director in Waterbeach employer: AVIC Cabin Systems (UK) Limited
At AVIC Cabin Systems UK Ltd, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation in the aerospace sector. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training programmes and leadership development opportunities, ensuring that our team members thrive in their careers while contributing to cutting-edge projects. Located in the heart of the UK aerospace industry, we provide a unique chance to engage with leading airline and OEM customers, all while enjoying a culture that values accountability, continuous improvement, and cross-functional teamwork.
Contact Detail:
AVIC Cabin Systems (UK) Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Director in Waterbeach
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the aerospace industry, especially those who work at companies you're interested in. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its programmes. Understand their challenges and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. This shows you're not just another candidate; you're genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your leadership skills and experience in programme management can drive success. Keep it concise and focus on results you've achieved in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Director in Waterbeach
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in aerospace and programme management. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Leadership Experience:As a Programme Director, leadership is key! Share specific examples of how you've led cross-functional teams and managed complex projects. We love seeing real-life stories that demonstrate your ability to drive results.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while still showcasing your personality.
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 ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at AVIC Cabin Systems (UK) Limited
✨Know Your Programmes
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of the programmes you’ll be overseeing. Familiarise yourself with the key projects within ACS UK’s aircraft interiors portfolio and understand their strategic importance. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're ready to lead from day one.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Programme Director, your leadership approach is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your experience in managing cross-functional teams and how you've fostered collaboration in previous roles. Use specific examples to illustrate your ability to drive performance and resolve conflicts effectively.
✨Understand Customer Engagement
Customer alignment is key in this role. Think about how you've previously managed customer relationships and exceeded expectations. Be ready to share strategies you've used for proactive communication and risk management, as well as how you’ve led governance forums or programme reviews.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since you'll be responsible for programme budgets and profitability, brush up on your financial management skills. Prepare to discuss how you've handled cost control and forecasting in past projects. Highlight any experience you have with contract structures and recovery plans to show your commercial awareness.
