At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative Motorsport and Advanced Engineering programmes, driving collaboration and strategic direction.
- Company: Join Fortescue, a leader in decarbonising iron ore operations with cutting-edge technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy a bonus scheme, private medical insurance, and 26 days holiday plus more.
- Other info: Fortescue values diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment focused on sustainability and innovation.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in programme management, ideally in engineering or automotive sectors.
The predicted salary is between 58349 - 71315 £ per year.
The Power of Now
Be part of something big.
Fortescue is leading the world with our plan to decarbonise our iron ore operations, projects that harness renewable energy and the development of technology that will change our planet forever.
An opportunity has arisen for a Head of Programmes to join the Motorsport & Advanced Engineering department.
About the role
Lead the planning & delivery of all Motorsport and Advanced Engineering programmes, ensuring they meet strategic objectives and are delivered on time, within budget and to the highest quality standards.
This role provides for overall programme direction, drives cross-functional collaboration, manages risk, and fosters innovation.
What you will do
Programme Direction and Strategy
- Provide overall direction for global programme delivery, ensuring on-time, on-budget achievement of all milestones.
- Oversee all programme phases — from concept development, design, engineering, validation, industrialisation, through to launch — managing scope, cost, risk, resources, and change.
- Report clear KPI’s across the Portfolio of projects to the business leadership and central function teams
- Develop and maintain comprehensive programme strategies and detailed timing.
- Define a clear and strategic point of view for the programme, influencing both corporate and operational strategies.
- Anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and guide the programme toward optimal outcomes.
Cross-Functional Liaison
- Coordinate diverse, multidisciplinary teams across Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, Finance, and Logistics, spanning multiple global regions.
- Foster a high-performance culture that promotes collaboration, innovation, continuous improvement, and personal accountability.
- Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships, ensuring clear, consistent communication and alignment across all business functions.
- Represent the programme in senior forums, effectively communicating complex information to senior management stakeholders and decision-makers.
Governance, Quality, and Delivery
- Ensure programme delivery adheres to the appropriate governance standards and quality frameworks.
- Monitor performance using key metrics and reporting mechanisms to ensure visibility, control, and accountability at all levels.
- Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate risks (technical, financial, timing, and quality) while developing contingency plans to maintain momentum and delivery assurance.
- Drive issue resolution through decisive leadership and structured problem-solving.
- Ensure the programme operates within approved budgets, maintaining transparency in financial performance and cost control.
People and Organisational Development
- Deliver annual Performance Management and Review Meetings and agree annual objectives and Personal Development Plans with all line reports.
- Act as a mentor and role model, developing and empowering programme team members to achieve their full potential.
- Promote diversity of thought, inclusion, and respect within teams and partnerships.
About you
Essential
- Minimum 15 years of experience in programme or project management roles within an engineering or technology consultancy setting, ideally within the automotive and/or Motorsport sectors, with
- Demonstrated success leading large-scale programmes from concept through to launch.
- Proven experience in managing complex cross-functional projects with competing priorities and dynamic requirements.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related discipline; MBA or equivalent postgraduate qualification desirable.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and align diverse teams.
- Proven capability to lead in ambiguous, rapidly changing environments with strategic foresight and operational rigour.
- Skilled in programme governance, budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and resource planning.
- High proficiency in programme management software and reporting tools.
- Strong presentation and interpersonal skills, with experience communicating at executive level.
- Willingness and ability to travel internationally as required.
Preferred
- Experience with electrification programmes.
- Professional certifications such as MSP, PMP, or Pg MP.
- Demonstrated knowledge and practical application of Fortescue’s New Product Creation System (NPCS) or similar structured development frameworks.
What is in it for you?
Our UK benefits include
- Bonus scheme
- Aviva Pension
- Group Life Assurance
- Group Income Protection
- Electric Car Scheme
- Health Cash Plan
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Private Medical Insurance
- 26 days holiday plus public holidays and the opportunity to purchase an additional 5 days per year
- Childcare Benefits
- Free on-site gym access and discounted national memberships
Fortescue celebrates individual strengths and team members are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work.
Our global workforce drives and promotes an inclusive culture, both within our organisation and throughout the communities we interact with.
Diverse backgrounds include First Nations Peoples, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ community, gender, neurodiverse, cultural diversity, all age groups, and those with an intersectional or multiple diverse characteristics.
We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
Internal Candidates / Current Contractors please apply via Success Factors Careers Portal. For further information on how to apply please visit the Fortescue Hub.
Fortescue reserves the right to close applications early should a suitable pool of candidates be identified.
Fortescue will never contact you to ask for payment of any kind, whether directly or through a third party.
Head of Programmes - Motorsport & Advanced Engineering in Kidlington employer: Fortescue
Fortescue is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture in Kidlington that fosters innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities and a commitment to sustainability, making it a rewarding place to contribute to cutting-edge battery intelligence solutions. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to driving impactful change in the heavy industry sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Programmes - Motorsport & Advanced Engineering in Kidlington
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Head of Programmes - Motorsport & Advanced Engineering role you’re after at Fortescue.
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Programmes - Motorsport & Advanced Engineering in Kidlington
Some tips for your application 🫡
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Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Fortescue a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Fortescue specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fortescue
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Fortescue, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Fortescue want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
