At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a £100m+ transformation programme in manufacturing and infrastructure.
- Company: Join a highly innovative UK manufacturing business undergoing major operational changes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Engage with senior stakeholders and shape the future of manufacturing.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact by driving cutting-edge manufacturing and automation strategies.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in delivering large-scale manufacturing programmes and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Brightsmith are partnering with a highly innovative UK manufacturing business undergoing a major operational transformation and seeking an exceptional Programme Director to lead a strategic infrastructure and manufacturing programme. This programme involves facility transformation, automation strategy, new production capability, infrastructure expansion, and the introduction of new in-house technical processes. It will require strong leadership across construction, manufacturing, engineering, procurement, and executive stakeholder management.
We are looking for someone who has delivered large, complex programmes from concept through to completion and can confidently operate at board level while ensuring day-to-day execution remains tightly controlled.
Responsibilities- Lead the end-to-end delivery of a £100m+ manufacturing and infrastructure transformation programme
- Develop and execute the full programme strategy across facilities, operations, automation, and manufacturing capability
- Oversee factory redesign, production line implementation, relocation of operational assets, and infrastructure development
- Support the creation of new in-house technical capabilities and operational processes
- Manage planning, governance, reporting, risk, budget control, and programme timelines
- Work closely with manufacturing, R&D, engineering, finance, procurement, and executive leadership teams
- Engage confidently with senior stakeholders, board members, grant stakeholders, and external partners
- Ensure delivery remains on time, on budget, and aligned to long-term business strategy
- Identify issues early, provide transparent reporting, and drive effective decision-making
- Manage supplier, contractor, construction, and third-party relationships throughout delivery
- Proven experience delivering major manufacturing, infrastructure, or industrial transformation programmes (£50m+ ideally £100m+)
- Demonstrable track record of leading projects from initial concept through to full operational delivery
- Strong background in advanced manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, defence, engineering, or complex industrial environments
- Experience involving automation, production line design, facility development, and operational transformation
- Strong commercial understanding of capex-heavy programmes and supplier management
- Comfortable operating at executive and board level with excellent stakeholder communication skills
- Able to challenge decisions, bring structure, and provide confidence through strong programme leadership
- Experience introducing new in-house processes, manufacturing capabilities, or technical operations is highly desirable
- Formal project methodology is less important than proven delivery capability, commercial awareness, and leadership presence
If you are interested in hearing more details please apply to the role or reach out directly at h.lowther@brightsmithgroup.com
Program Director in Sheffield employer: Brightsmith
Brightsmith is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of the UK manufacturing sector. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide opportunities to lead transformative projects that shape the future of manufacturing, all while enjoying a supportive culture that values transparency and effective communication. Join us to be part of a major operational transformation and make a meaningful impact in a company that prioritises both its people and its strategic vision.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Program Director in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts and let them know you're on the hunt for a Programme Director role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities that aren't advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their transformation journey and how you can lead it.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your past experiences in delivering large programmes, especially those involving manufacturing and infrastructure. Highlight your leadership skills and how you’ve managed complex stakeholder relationships.
✨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 connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Program Director in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Programme Director role. Highlight your experience in delivering large, complex programmes and any relevant achievements in manufacturing or infrastructure transformation. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Talk about your leadership style, your experience with automation strategies, and how you’ve successfully managed stakeholder relationships in the past. Let us know why you’re excited about this opportunity!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:In your application, make sure to showcase your leadership skills. We’re looking for someone who can operate at board level and manage teams effectively. Share examples of how you've led projects from concept to completion and how you’ve navigated challenges along the way.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us that you’re serious about joining our innovative team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brightsmith
✨Know Your Programme Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the specifics of the programme you'll be leading. Familiarise yourself with the key components like facility transformation, automation strategies, and production capabilities. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience in managing large, complex programmes. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led teams across various functions such as construction, engineering, and procurement. This will demonstrate your ability to operate at board level and manage day-to-day execution effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholder Management
Since the role involves significant stakeholder engagement, think of instances where you've effectively communicated with senior stakeholders or board members. Prepare to discuss how you’ve navigated challenges and ensured transparency in reporting, which is crucial for building trust and confidence.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Risk Management
Risk management is a key part of any major programme. Come prepared with examples of how you've identified issues early and implemented solutions. Highlight your approach to budget control and timeline management, as this will show your capability in keeping projects on track and aligned with long-term business strategies.
