At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting engineering programmes and drive innovative product development.
- Company: Join JCB, a leader in engineering with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 33 days holiday, and great perks like an onsite gym.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by influencing strategic product roadmaps and leading cross-functional teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in Programme Management within engineering or manufacturing is essential.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Programme Manager to join JCB and play a key role in delivering our ambitious growth and product development plans.
About the role
As a Programme Manager within our New Product Introduction (NPI) team, you’ll be responsible for leading the successful delivery of complex engineering programmes across Whole Machine, Powertrain and Legislative projects. Working at the centre of cross‑functional teams, you’ll provide the leadership, governance and direction needed to ensure programmes are delivered on time, within budget and to the highest quality standards. This high‑profile position offers significant exposure across the business, giving you the opportunity to influence strategic product roadmaps, drive programme excellence and support the continued development of our project management capability.
Responsibilities
- Lead NPI programmes from concept through to post‑Gate 5b delivery, ensuring projects meet quality, cost and timing objectives.
- Manage programme governance, including planning, reporting, risk management, issue resolution and project controls.
- Lead and develop Project Managers while providing direction to cross‑functional teams across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Commercial and Finance.
- Support R&D budget planning, financial forecasting and the delivery of long‑term product and technology roadmaps.
- Produce executive‑level programme updates and coordinate international activities to ensure alignment across global teams and stakeholders.
- Drive collaboration and stakeholder engagement to achieve successful programme outcomes.
Qualifications
- Significant experience in Programme Management, Project Management or NPI leadership within an engineering or manufacturing environment.
- Successful delivery of complex engineering programmes from concept through to production using structured project management methodologies and gated development processes.
- Effective leadership ability to motivate, influence and develop direct reports and cross‑functional teams.
- Experience managing programme budgets, resources, risks and delivery plans within fast‑paced, technically complex environments.
- Confidence presenting to and influencing senior leaders and executive stakeholders.
- Strong commercial awareness and understanding of the balance between quality, cost, timing and business objectives.
- Highly organised, proactive and able to navigate ambiguity while maintaining focus on delivering results.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build strong relationships across all levels of the business.
- Energy, resilience and drive, with a passion for delivering innovative products and achieving exceptional outcomes.
Benefits
Competitive salary, 33 days’ holiday and access to our company pension. Onsite gym, in‑house doctor and dentist, ULEV car scheme, JCB Rewards Hub discounts with high street retailers, Cycle to Work Scheme.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We value diversity and welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We’re committed to ensuring our recruitment process is fair and inclusive. If you face any accessibility challenges with your online application and require additional support, you have the option of speaking to a member of our Recruitment Team who can support you to complete an application in an alternative format.
Programme Manager employer: JCB
At JCB, we pride ourselves on being a world-class, family-owned business that truly values its employees. As a Telematics Product Owner, you will thrive in a collaborative environment that fosters innovation and personal growth, supported by competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and unique benefits like an onsite gym and ULEV car scheme. Join us in our commitment to excellence and be part of a team that is shaping the future of connected technology in a dynamic and inclusive workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Programme Manager at JCB!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like JCB or be willing to refer you for that Programme Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from JCB who’s on the lookout for their next Programme Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Programme Manager role at JCB!
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at JCB. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at JCB
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at JCB. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!