At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major engineering projects and shape the future of Highland Spring.
- Company: Join a well-known Scottish business focused on growth and transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team culture, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on teamwork, pride, and care for communities.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact while working on exciting capital investment projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management within manufacturing or similar industries.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
- Description
- Help shape the future of Highland Spring
Highland Spring is entering an exciting period of growth and transformation as we deliver an ambitious 10-year capital investment strategy across our manufacturing operations.
We are expanding our Engineering & Capital Projects function and are looking for an experienced Programme Manager to lead a portfolio of strategically important capital projects.
This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact within a well-known Scottish business that is investing in its people, facilities and manufacturing capability.
You will help establish best-practice project governance, strengthen our approach to programme delivery and lead major engineering and infrastructure projects from initial concept through to successful operational handover.
The role
Reporting to the Group Engineering & Projects Manager, you will provide both strategic programme leadership and practical, hands-on delivery.
You will bring together colleagues from Engineering, Operations, Procurement, Quality, Finance and Health and Safety, alongside consultants, contractors, equipment manufacturers, suppliers and other delivery partners.
Your responsibilities will include
- Establishing effective programme governance, reporting routines and project controls.
- Developing integrated project plans, critical paths, milestones and dependency maps.
- Managing risks, issues, actions, decisions and change controls.
- Leading major capital projects through design, procurement, construction, installation, commissioning and operational handover.
- Coordinating multidisciplinary teams and managing complex project interfaces.
- Providing clear and concise updates to sponsors, steering groups and senior stakeholders.
- Monitoring scope, cost, schedule, safety, quality and operational requirements.
- Maintaining a visible presence on site during key construction, installation and commissioning phases.
- Ensuring training, documentation, maintenance readiness and operational handover are fully planned and delivered.
- Supporting the development of consistent project management standards, templates and ways of working.
- Sharing lessons learned and helping build project management capability across the business.
About you
You will be an experienced programme or project leader with a strong track record of delivering significant capital investment projects within manufacturing, FMCG, food and beverage, pharmaceutical or a comparable industrial environment.
You will be comfortable moving between strategic planning, senior stakeholder engagement and practical site-based delivery.
You will bring structure and discipline to complex programmes while remaining adaptable, approachable and focused on finding solutions.
We are looking for someone who can demonstrate
- Successful delivery of complex capital projects from concept through to commissioning and operational handover.
- Experience establishing programme governance, project controls and reporting frameworks.
- Strong integrated planning skills using Microsoft Project, Primavera P6 or an equivalent tool.
- Effective management of contractors, consultants, equipment manufacturers, suppliers and delivery partners.
- Strong commercial awareness, including budget management, forecasting and change control.
- The ability to identify and manage risks, issues, dependencies and competing priorities.
- Clear, confident communication with senior leaders, operational teams and external partners.
- The ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams without relying on direct line authority.
- A practical, proactive and delivery-focused leadership style.
A degree in Engineering, Construction, Project Management or a related discipline would be beneficial, as would an APM, PRINCE2, PMP or equivalent qualification.
Knowledge of CDM Regulations, experience working with principal contractors and experience developing PMO or capital project governance frameworks would also be advantageous.
We recognise that strong candidates may not meet every requirement listed.
We welcome applications from people who can demonstrate relevant transferable experience and the potential to succeed in the role.
How we work
Our values shape how we work together and how we deliver for our customers.
We’re a Team
We support one another, communicate clearly, encourage different perspectives and work together to make things happen.
We’re Proud
We take ownership, maintain high standards, celebrate our achievements and continually look for ways to improve.
We Care
We treat people fairly and respectfully, create an inclusive environment and care deeply about our customers, our communities and the natural environment around us.
As Programme Manager, you will bring these values to life by setting clear priorities, making confident decisions, involving others in change and creating an environment where people feel heard, supported and able to contribute.
Benefits
Programme Manager - Engineering & Capital Projects employer: Highland Spring Group
Highland Spring Group is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and individual contributions. Located in the picturesque Blackford, Scotland, employees benefit from a competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth within a dynamic transport operation. Join us to be part of a dedicated team where your skills in transport logistics will truly make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager - Engineering & Capital Projects
✨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 Highland Spring Group, 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 Manager - Engineering & Capital Projects at Highland Spring Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager - Engineering & Capital Projects
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 Highland Spring Group
✨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!
