Senior Programme Manager in Cheltenham

We are Ultra Precision Control Systems (Ultra PCS), a leading developer of mission and safety critical equipment in the defence and aerospace industry. Our team of experts are at the heart of our success, which is why we are dedicated to fostering a safe working environment and a positive culture where every staff member feels valued and respected. We solve our customers’ problems, providing engineering solutions to safety and mission critical challenges in the air and on the ground. Our solutions can be found in the latest military aircraft and vehicles, in civil aircraft, and in unmanned vehicles. We help to ensure our customers get to where they need to be safely, achieve their objectives and keep on going back.

Flexible Working

Wherever possible, we will consider a variety of working options to suit your lifestyle, whether that be hybrid home/office working, flexible working and part or full time employment. It’s the ‘innovating’ and ‘empowering’ values that we ASPIRE to be. We welcome the challenge to work in new ways and have trust in you when getting the job done because we recognise, our business is our people.

Job Description

The Ultra PCS Project and Programme function is responsible for providing the strategy for the planning and execution of all development and production programmes. The function controls programme costs, manages adherence to technical and schedule performance plans, manages the risks and opportunities, and directly interfaces with customers as required. The Programme Management function at Ultra PCS manages one or more projects and programmes as a group to achieve strategic goals and objectives. The function is accountable for the cumulative performance (to time, quality, cost and/or as-bid Gross Margin) of the projects and of the individuals performing the management of each project.

An individual at this grade leads large teams to input into the plans of the function. They will be responsible for implementing policy and ensuring delivery within area of responsibility, linking with other parts of the function or business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive accountability by definition of roles and responsibilities for all members of the extended team.
• Generation and agreement of KPIs and SLAs for each of the functions.
• Relentless execution of the delivery plan and quick escalation of risks and issues to prevent them becoming a constraint.
• Working across sites and functions to ensure the order-book can be achieved and that the business is right‑sized (including capacity constraints) to ensure there is sufficient capacity, including supply chain capacity through dual‑source where required, to meet projected demand.
• Working across the wider team (cross‑functional) and sites (where appropriate) to define and agree roles and responsibilities; agree the target metrics and KPIs across the functions that achieves success at the programme level.
• Using the agreed metrics / KPIs to drive pro‑active decision‑making.
• Definition and implementation of the governance for your programmes across the programme stakeholders.
• Prioritisation of goals and objectives.
• Maintaining the plan for the overall delivery programme and monitoring the progress through an agreed set of KPIs; holding the cross‑functional team accountable to achieving the agreed KPIs.
• Managing risks and issues and taking corrective measurements.
• Coordinating and managing interdependencies.
• Ensuring adequate resourcing of the programme.
• Managing stakeholders’ communication.
• Maintaining positive customer relationships.
• Managing the main programme documentation.

Role Requirements:

• Strong practical experience in operational projects and operations management.
• Excellent people‑management skills including development of performing teams and resolution of issues.
• Working knowledge and handling of project and programme management methodology and techniques.
• Good understanding of the wider objectives of the programme.
• Ability to work positively with the wide range of individuals involved in programme management.
• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Good knowledge of budgeting and resource allocation procedures; able to consider constraints of business finances and windows of opportunity.
• Strong risk management at the programme level.
• The ability to find innovative ways to resolve problems.
• Highly analytical, making evidence‑based decisions.
• Good commercial understanding and experience of Contract Management.
• Strong understanding of governance best‑practice.

Benefits:

• Every employee is critical to our success and as such we offer a range of flexible employee benefits along with career development opportunities.
• Flexible working within core working hours.
• 25 days holiday (185hrs) with the option to buy/sell 5 days (37hrs) plus bank holidays.
• 4 times your annual salary in life assurance.
• Flexible benefits package.
• Pension Scheme - Less than 5 years’ service up to 5.5% employer contributions, 5 years’ service + up to 7.5% employer contributions.
• Sports and Social clubs.
• Supportive and friendly working environment with regular team events.

You couldn’t be joining the team at Ultra at a more exciting time. Therefore, if this sounds of interest, please follow the application process.

Nationality Requirements

Candidates must be able to work in the UK without restrictions in accordance with UK National Law and be prepared to successfully undertake an appropriate level of UK National Security Vetting according to UK Government National Security Vetting criteria.

Diverse & Inclusive Employer

Ultra PCS is an equal opportunities employer that values diversity, inclusion, equity and equality. Underpinned by our values, behaviours, and policies, we want you to feel empowered to be your best and authentic self. We promote a workplace that welcomes people from all backgrounds and cultures; believing that this will increase our diversity of thinking, and ultimately ensure we continue delivering on our commitments to our customers. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status and welcome applications from all candidates.