At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams to deliver complex capital programmes at Heathrow.
- Company: Heathrow, a leader in UK capital investment with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to shape major projects.
- Other info: Join a dynamic environment with significant budget management responsibilities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on aviation infrastructure and passenger experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading large engineering programmes and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Heathrow delivers one of the largest capital investment portfolios in the UK, with forecast investment of between £1.3bn and £2bn per annum over the next five years. This role sits within the Development function, which holds accountability for delivering all non‑technology, digital, and data programmes, and requires strong leadership to navigate the scale and complexity of Heathrow’s capital programme portfolio.
This individual will lead and inspire a large, multidisciplinary team to deliver solutions that support safe and secure operations, maintain passenger experience standards, and minimise asset risk within a highly complex and sensitive operational environment. The Programme Director ensures integration and alignment across internal and external functions, securing buy‑in to proposed solutions while maintaining accountability for delivering intended benefits and shaping strategic business cases for the Operations function.
Success in this role depends on effective leadership across a diverse network of programme supplier partners and close collaboration with senior stakeholders, including the Heathrow Executive team, Engineering Director, Operations teams, and the Infrastructure Delivery Director. Operating within a highly regulated environment, the role ensures all programme solutions demonstrate value for money, meet compliance requirements, and reflect robust stakeholder engagement.
Reporting to the Major Programme Director, the role holds accountability for several significant projects totalling multi‑billion pounds, including the Asset Management and Compliance Programme, Terminal 4 Front Door, and the overarching programme management of the Terminal 2 Baggage programme, which is currently in delivery.
Responsibilities- Lead multiple Heathrow capital programmes, ensuring delivery aligns with approved business cases while mitigating asset risk and maintaining safe, effective operational performance.
- Define and shape programme solutions to meet business needs, ensuring assets are operable, maintainable, and deliver value across the full lifecycle from initial delivery through to long‑term operation.
- Embed and promote safety in design and delivery, fostering a strong safety culture that supports safe construction, operational readiness, and ongoing performance.
- Provide clear strategic direction and governance across programme planning, resource management, quality assurance, change control, risk management, communications, and budget oversight to enable timely, effective decision‑making.
- Lead and develop a high‑performing programme team, managing direct reports and complex, diverse supply chains while driving delivery in a highly scrutinised environment.
- Manage significant capital budgets (multi‑billion pounds) both directly and through influencing wider construction spend, driving value through strong supplier partnerships, robust risk management, continuous improvement, and proactive response to market, regulatory, and operational factors.
- Proven experience leading complex, engineering‑led infrastructure programmes valued over £100m, with strong understanding of regulatory frameworks, aviation operations, and procurement strategies.
- Chartered Engineer (or equivalent professional accreditation) with a solid grounding in engineering principles and delivery excellence.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving capability, with a track record of developing innovative, practical solutions to complex challenges.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and develop large, multidisciplinary teams, including effective procurement, supplier management, and commercial negotiation in complex delivery environments.
- Broad experience in programme and project management methodologies and tools, with the ability to adapt approaches to optimise delivery and value.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to build relationships and operate effectively at senior levels across airlines, customers, government, and regulatory bodies, alongside a commitment to continuous improvement and digital innovation.
Programme Director - Foundations in London employer: hackajob
Heathrow is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets operational excellence. With a strong commitment to employee development and a culture that prioritises safety and collaboration, team members are empowered to lead significant capital programmes that shape the future of aviation. The opportunity to work on multi-billion-pound projects alongside a diverse network of stakeholders ensures that every employee can make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive and engaging workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Director - Foundations in London
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like hackajob, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Programme Director - Foundations at hackajob.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Director - Foundations in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at hackajob
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
