At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Terminal 5 Optimisation programme, enhancing capacity and passenger experience.
- Company: Heathrow, a leader in UK capital investment with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a high-performing team and shape the future of aviation at Heathrow.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on one of the UK's largest infrastructure projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale engineering programmes and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 130000 £ per year.
Heathrow delivers one of the largest capital investment portfolios in the UK, with planned investment of between £1.3bn and £2bn per annum over the next five years. Accountability for delivering all non‑technology, digital, or data programmes sits within the Development function, where this role is positioned. The Programme Director is responsible for ensuring integration and alignment across internal and external functions, securing input and commitment to solutions while maintaining accountability for the delivery of intended benefits.
The role also requires strong strategic capability, including shaping and supporting the development of business cases for the Customer and Operations functions. This position holds accountability for the Terminal 5 Optimisation programme, leading a large, multidisciplinary team to deliver solutions that grow Heathrow’s capacity within a two-runway operation, enhance Terminal 5’s passenger experience and improve its operational resilience. This represents one of the biggest and most significant programmes in Heathrow’s next regulatory cycle, delivering Heathrow’s most significant near‑term capacity increase within its largest commercial and revenue‑generating asset. With a value exceeding £1.15bn, the programme also represents a foundational step in the long‑term modernisation of Terminal 5.
Responsibilities
- Lead the Terminal 5 Optimisation programme, with accountability for delivering agreed outcomes in line with the approved business case, with a focus on increasing capacity ahead of expansion, enhancing passenger experience and improving resilience.
- Define and shape programme solutions to meet business needs, ensuring they remain operable and maintainable throughout the full asset lifecycle, from initial delivery through to long‑term use.
- Provide strategic governance and assurance, maintaining programme integrity, compliance with agreed commitments, and alignment with Heathrow’s corporate standards.
- Enable effective and timely decision‑making, managing complex stakeholder relationships to set a clear strategic direction across planning, resource management, issue resolution, quality, governance, change control, risk management, communications, and budget oversight.
- Lead and inspire a high‑performing programme team, including approximately 100 directly employed colleagues and up to c.300 supply chain contributors, establishing a clear vision and roadmap to deliver programme objectives within a complex and highly scrutinised environment.
- Hold direct accountability for the programme’s capital budget (in excess of £300m), ensuring delivery against the approved business case and influencing the remaining wider construction delivery budget through scope definition and the realisation of capital efficiency opportunities.
Qualifications
- Proven experience leading complex, large‑scale engineering or infrastructure programmes with a value in excess of £1bn.
- Strong problem‑solving capability, with a track record of applying rigorous and analytical thinking to complex challenges, delivering innovative and practical solutions.
- Expertise in stakeholder engagement, with the ability to build strong relationships and influence at senior levels across airlines, customers, government, and regulatory bodies.
- Solid understanding of strategic frameworks, governance, and commercial principles.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire large, multidisciplinary teams, including effective procurement and supplier management across complex delivery environments, supported by strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills.
- Expertise in industry-standard programme and project management methodologies and tools, with the ability to adapt approaches to suit different delivery contexts and drive effective, value‑focused outcomes.
Ideally you will have
- Experience leading and delivering mega infrastructure projects.
- Experience operating within the aviation sector.
- Chartered Engineer status or equivalent experience delivering large-scale construction projects.
Programme Director - T5O in London employer: Heathrow Airport
Heathrow Airport is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Programme Director, you will lead one of the UK's largest capital investment programmes, with opportunities for professional growth and development within a supportive culture that values strategic thinking and stakeholder engagement. With a commitment to enhancing passenger experience and operational resilience, working at Heathrow not only provides a chance to make a significant impact but also offers competitive benefits and a vibrant workplace in one of the world's busiest airports.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Director - T5O in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks who work at Heathrow or in similar roles. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand Heathrow’s current initiatives, especially around Terminal 5 Optimisation. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Programme Director. Highlight your leadership skills and past successes in managing large-scale projects. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Director - T5O in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Programme Director role. Highlight your experience with large-scale engineering or infrastructure programmes, especially those over £1bn. We want to see how your skills align with our needs at Heathrow!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for leading the Terminal 5 Optimisation programme. Share specific examples of your strategic governance and stakeholder engagement skills that will resonate with us.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We’re looking for someone who can inspire a large, multidisciplinary team. In your application, highlight your experience in leading teams and managing complex relationships. Let us know how you’ve successfully navigated challenges in past projects!
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 this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heathrow Airport
✨Know Your Programme Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the Terminal 5 Optimisation programme. Understand its goals, challenges, and how it fits into Heathrow's broader strategy. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience leading large, multidisciplinary teams. Share specific examples of how you've inspired and managed teams in complex environments. Highlight your problem-solving capabilities and how you've navigated stakeholder relationships to achieve successful outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Heathrow is looking for someone with strong strategic capability. Prepare to discuss how you've shaped business cases or strategic frameworks in previous roles. Think about how you can apply this experience to enhance passenger experience and operational resilience at Terminal 5.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle real-world challenges. Think through potential scenarios related to budget management, stakeholder engagement, or risk management. Practising your responses will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
