At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex engineering programmes and ensure high-quality outcomes.
- Company: Join KBR, a leader in innovative engineering solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with a focus on sustainability and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global projects while shaping the future of engineering.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in engineering and a degree in a related field.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
A career at KBR can change the world — and change your life. If you’re ready, let’s get started.
The KBR team of teams delivers future-forward science, technology and engineering solutions and mission-critical services that help governments and companies around the world accomplish their most important objectives, while also helping achieve their sustainability goals.
About the RoleThe Programme Director – Engineering provides strategic leadership and delivery oversight for complex engineering programmes, with accountability across FEED and detailed design phases. This role establishes and maintains programme governance, ensuring alignment to technical, commercial, and schedule objectives while managing risk and stakeholder expectations. Working across multi‐discipline engineering teams, the Programme Director integrates project controls, engineering assurance, and client engagement to drive predictable and high‐quality outcomes. The position operates as a senior interface with clients and partners, shaping delivery strategies and decision‐making frameworks. Through structured leadership and clear accountability, the role supports 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
- 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
- Chartered Engineer status or equivalent professional accreditation
- Degree in Engineering or related technical discipline
Reading/Bristol/Plymouth - hybrid working with a mix of office-based and remote working.
Security RequirementsSC Clearance. Due to the secure nature of this project, restrictions in relation to UK residency and nationality will apply.
Programme Director in Reading employer: KBR, Inc
KBR is an exceptional employer that empowers its employees to make a meaningful impact through innovative engineering solutions. With a strong focus on professional development, KBR offers extensive growth opportunities and fosters a collaborative work culture that values diversity and inclusion. Located in vibrant cities like Plymouth and Bristol, employees enjoy a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance while contributing to critical projects that support sustainability goals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Director in Reading
✨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 in Reading
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.
