At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex engineering programmes and ensure high-quality outcomes across multi-discipline teams.
- Company: Join KBR, a leader in engineering with a focus on innovation and safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy a zero-harm culture, hybrid working, and a commitment to your growth.
- Other info: Opportunities for career advancement in a supportive and inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Shape the future of engineering while making a real impact in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Chartered Engineer status and experience in large-scale engineering programmes required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
The Programme Director – Engineering provides strategic leadership and delivery oversight for complex engineering programmes, with accountability across FEED and detailed design phases.
About the Role
In this role, you will establish and maintain programme governance, ensuring alignment to technical, commercial, and schedule objectives while managing risk and stakeholder expectations. You will work across multi‑discipline engineering teams, integrating project controls, engineering assurance, and client engagement to drive predictable and high‑quality outcomes. As a senior interface with clients and partners, you will shape delivery strategies and decision‑making frameworks and support safe, compliant, and efficient execution across the programme lifecycle.
Responsibilities
- Provide overall leadership and direction for engineering programmes spanning FEED and detailed design phases.
- Establish programme governance, controls, and reporting aligned to cost, schedule, risk, and quality objectives.
- Lead and coordinate multi‑discipline engineering teams, ensuring technical integration and design maturity.
- Act as senior client interface, managing expectations and supporting key commercial and delivery decisions.
- Oversee programme risk management, change control, and mitigation planning.
- Ensure engineering deliverables meet contractual, regulatory, and assurance requirements.
- Collaborate with project controls, procurement, and construction teams to support downstream readiness.
- Drive continuous improvement in programme execution, assurance, and delivery performance.
Required Experience
- Senior leadership experience delivering large‑scale engineering or EPC programmes.
- Direct accountability for FEED and detailed design execution.
- Experience managing multi‑discipline engineering teams and workstreams.
- Proven responsibility for programme cost, schedule, and risk control.
- Experience delivering programmes within regulated or safety‑critical industries.
- Background working with major UK or international engineering contractors.
- Experience interfacing with executive‑level clients and stakeholders.
Qualifications / Certifications
- Chartered Engineer status or equivalent professional accreditation.
- Degree in Engineering or related technical discipline.
Location
Reading / Bristol / Plymouth – hybrid working with a mix of office‑based and remote working.
Security Requirements
SC Clearance. Due to the secure nature of this project, restrictions in relation to UK residency and nationality will apply.
Benefits
Benefits & More – KBR offers a zero‑harm culture, a focus on belonging, connection, and growth, and a commitment to people first values.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
KBR is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Programme Director employer: KBR, Inc
KBR is an exceptional employer that prioritises a zero-harm culture and fosters a strong sense of belonging and connection among its employees. With a commitment to professional growth and development, KBR offers unique opportunities for career advancement within the engineering sector, particularly in the vibrant locations of Reading, Bristol, and Plymouth, where hybrid working arrangements enhance work-life balance. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values diversity and innovation while delivering high-quality engineering solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Director
✨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 Programme Director role you’re after at KBR, Inc.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at KBR, Inc a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at KBR, Inc.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Programme Director at KBR, Inc, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Programme Director, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
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 KBR, Inc 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 KBR, Inc 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 KBR, Inc
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with KBR, Inc, 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 KBR, Inc 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.