At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage complex aircraft modification programmes to ensure successful delivery.
- Company: Join Draken, a leader in advanced aviation training and support.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including pension contributions.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of diversity and continuous improvement in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aviation engineering while leading diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in programme management and aviation engineering required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Location: To be confirmed
Hours and contract type: To be confirmed
Draken believes in fair reward and recognition for our employees. As such, we offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including up to 12% matching pension contributions, bonus incentives, discounted PMI, electric car scheme, tech vouchers, wellbeing programmes and much more.
As Senior Programme Manager Aircraft Modification, you’ll be accountable for the successful delivery of a significant aircraft modification programme. Reporting to the VP Programmes, you’ll provide leadership, management and direction to a multi-disciplinary delivery team, ensuring the programme is completed within agreed time, budget and quality parameters.
This senior leadership role requires a strongly results-focused approach, well-developed commercial acumen and extensive experience of leading complex programmes. You’ll draw on a deep understanding of aviation engineering, including Part 21J, CAMO and Part 145 processes, alongside contract management, supplier relationships and finance, to influence decisions and align stakeholders across the programme.
The role has no direct reports or dotted-line manager; the dotted-line reporting arrangement is with the VP Engineering.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver the programme to agreed time, cost and quality parameters
- Direct the organisation, planning and estimating of short, medium and long-term milestones using Draken frameworks and ways of working
- Maintain a coherent, integrated programme plan and direct resources to meet delivery priorities
- Adjust plans, priorities and timelines as required, working with sponsors, stakeholders and suppliers to remove barriers to progress
- Manage and motivate the cross-functional Integrated Programme Team (IPT), directing and coaching team members and supplier resources
- Establish open and transparent ways of working, tailoring programme management processes and tools to the needs of the programme and IPT
- Build a collaborative one-team ethos, engaging people across the business and suppliers to achieve programme goals and milestones
- Manage relationships with key supplier personnel and sustain positive working relationships across stakeholder teams
- Lead and role model effective, open communication throughout the IPT and with stakeholders
- Help sponsors and stakeholders understand and fulfil their roles in successful programme delivery
- Manage expectations across all parties and support the wider business to contribute effectively to the programme
Risk, Change & Governance
- Risk assessment, impact analysis and mitigation
- Issues management and resolution
- Change control and management of programme priorities
- Performance management, progress tracking and variance reporting
- Ensure the team can report on and govern its outputs effectively, providing assurance to stakeholders and sponsors
- Drive a high-performance and continuous improvement culture throughout the programme
- Identify, evaluate and implement opportunities that deliver further benefit to the programme
- Continuously assess and improve the effectiveness of programme processes and ways of working
- Share good practice and expertise across teams, encouraging ownership of improvement ideas and beneficial change
Extensive experience of using programme management techniques to lead and direct complex programmes. Deep understanding of aviation engineering, including Part 21J, CAMO and Part 145 processes. Well-developed commercial acumen and understanding of contract management, supplier relationship management and finance. Ability to direct, lead and coach multi-disciplinary teams, individuals and supplier resources in a complex programme environment. Proficiency in MS Project, Project Web App and Microsoft 365. Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to present sound, well-reasoned arguments using a variety of methods. Collaborative leadership and relationship-building skills, creating an open environment across the business and suppliers. Effective planning, organisation and prioritisation, with the ability to adapt plans and resources to changing programme needs. A proactive, strongly results-focused approach to risk, issues and opportunities, supported by rigorous assessment and analysis. Ability to engage stakeholders, manage expectations and respect differing needs and values across teams. A service delivery mindset, with a commitment to knowledge sharing, continuous improvement and supporting the wider business.
Our employee values
Draken is committed to eliminating unlawful and unfair discrimination and we celebrate the differences that a diverse workforce brings. A range of perspective and talent supports our values and drives our success, with a mix of voices generating better discussions, business decisions and outcomes for all. At all our sites internationally, every member of the Draken team is accountable to ensure that we are all treated fairly and with respect. We are also an Armed Forces friendly organisation, and as part of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, welcome applications from veterans and services spouses and partners who met the criteria in our job specifications. In line with our Disability Confident Commitments, we provide reasonable adjustments to facilitate our interview process, please liaise with us if any reasonable adjustments are required.
About Us
Whether it is adversarial support, electronic attack or customised rotary-wing training, we offer the most accurate and advanced readiness training in the industry. Our vast, differentiated fleet, cutting edge hardware and experienced instructors are engaged to help your mission take off. Being ready is not only a matter of when. But where. We provide services in the UK, US and across the NATO countries. Making sure that our allies can manoeuvre around defeat and prepare to prevail.
Senior Programme Manager Aircraft Modifications in England employer: Draken
At Draken, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. Our team members benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring continuous growth in their careers while working on mission-critical systems in a supportive environment. Located in a vibrant area, we provide a unique chance to contribute to impactful projects while enjoying a balanced work-life experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Programme Manager Aircraft Modifications in England
✨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 Draken for a Senior Programme Manager Aircraft Modifications. 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 Aircraft Modifications in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Draken, 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 Draken, 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 Draken
✨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 Draken.
✨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 Draken. 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 Draken love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
