Programme Manager

Programme Manager

Part-Time 53438 - 65313 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Mott MacDonald

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead exciting energy projects and drive delivery excellence in a dynamic environment.
  • Company: Join Mott MacDonald, a global leader in engineering and consultancy with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, health benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equality, inclusion, and shared success.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's energy transition while developing your career.
  • Qualifications: Experience in project management within the energy sector and strong leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 53438 - 65313 £ per year.

Location/s

Brighton, Croydon, Bristol, York, Altrincham, Newcastle, Glasgow; UK

Mott Mac Donald is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy with over 20,000 employees across more than 50 countries and 140+ offices.

We work across incredible global industries, delivering exciting work that is defining our future and making an important societal impact in the communities we serve.

Our people power our performance – we succeed when they do.

With countless opportunities to collaborate, learn, and grow, the possibilities for excellence are as varied as every individual.

Whether you want to grow as a subject matter expert or broaden your experience with roles across our international community, you're surrounded by global specialists who want to combine their expertise and champion you to be your best.

As a proudly employee-owned business, we benefit our clients, our communities, and each other, investing in creating the right space for everyone to feel empowered, included, and valued.

Whatever your ambition, Mott Mac Donald is where people come to be brilliant.

About thebusinessunit

The Energy unit delivers services to clients globally across several sectors including hydropower, nuclear, waste, renewable generation and transmission & distribution networks.

Together we provide integrated engineering and project management services across the project lifecycle – from concept and design to construction and operations, to decommissioning or repowering and life extension.

Together with our clients, we’re helping to deliver the energy transition globally.

Overview of the role

As a result of the continued growth of our National Grid portfolio, in the energy networks team we are seeking an experienced Programme Manager to support the successful delivery of a diverse portfolio of engineering and design projects.

The portfolio comprises multidisciplinary design services across substations, converter stations, underground cable systems and overhead line projects for National Grid.

Maintaining long-term client relationships and securing repeat business are fundamental to our success, underpinned by the consistent delivery of high-quality, commercially successful projects.

Working closely with the Portfolio Manager, this role will focus on establishing effective delivery strategies, portfolio planning, resource forecasting, programme governance and project controls across the portfolio.

The successful candidate will play a key role in driving delivery excellence, improving portfolio performance and supporting the sustainable growth of the business.

This is anticipated to be a part-time role of approximately three days per week, combined with other responsibilities such as Project Principal, Project Manager, Bid Director or other leadership roles depending on the successful candidate's experience and background.

Key responsibilities and duties include

  • Portfolio Planning & Governance
  • Support the Portfolio Manager in developing and maintaining a strategically aligned delivery programme across the National Grid portfolio
  • Anticipate resource demands and capacity requirements across projects, providing consolidated forecasts and performance reports
  • Develop and maintain portfolio-level schedules and milestone reporting to support effective decision-making and business planning
  • Work with project teams to ensure robust project controls, risk management and reporting processes are implemented consistently
  • Project Delivery Excellence
  • Support Project Principals and Project Managers in establishing effective delivery strategies, programmes and governance arrangements
  • Ensure projects comply with National Grid Supplier Requirements, Mott Mac Donald best practice, STEP requirements, and relevant quality, health and safety standards
  • Monitor project performance and compliance metrics, reporting key trends, opportunities and risks to divisional leadership
  • Identify and implement opportunities to improve delivery efficiency, consistency and commercial performance across the portfolio
  • Business Growth & Opportunity Development
  • Support the Portfolio Manager and Sub-Portfolio Leads in developing delivery strategies for key pursuits and opportunities
  • Identify project delivery risks, resource requirements and critical success factors during bid development
  • Work collaboratively with bid teams to ensure delivery assumptions, schedules and fee proposals are realistic, robust and commercially sound
  • Help demonstrate Mott Mac Donald's capability and right-to-win position within strategic client opportunities
  • Leadership & Capability Development
  • Coach and mentor Project Managers and Project Principals, helping to embed best practice in project delivery and portfolio management
  • Promote a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing project culture
  • Champion continuous improvement and knowledge sharing across the Energy Networks business
  • Act as Project Principal or Project Manager on selected strategic projects where required
  • Stakeholder & Risk Management
  • Foster strong relationships with clients, delivery partners and internal stakeholders
  • Collaborate with commercial managers, legal advisors, insurance specialists and technical leaders to identify, assess and mitigate project risks
  • Provide leadership in maintaining a safe, positive and proactive project environment across all delivery teams
  • Work closely with digital and project controls teams to maximise the use of data, digital tools and reporting capabilities
  • Candidate specification

We are looking for a highly motivated programme or project management professional with a proven track record in the Energy Networks sector and a passion for delivering complex infrastructure projects.

Essential

  • Significant experience in programme, portfolio and/or project management within the transmission and distribution sector.
  • Demonstrable experience delivering FEED, detailed design or engineering consultancy projects
  • Strong understanding of project controls, portfolio management, resource planning and delivery governance
  • Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels
  • Degree qualified in Engineering, Project Management or a related discipline
  • Professional qualification in Project Management and/or Engineering
  • Strong commercial awareness with experience managing project financial performance and governance
  • Experience working within multidisciplinary teams and complex stakeholder environments
  • Proven leadership capabilities with the ability to coach, mentor and develop project teams

Desirable

  • Experience working on National Grid or major utility programmes
  • Familiarity with NEC contracts and engineering consultancy delivery models
  • Experience managing large-scale portfolios of infrastructure projects
  • Strong analytical skills with experience using Power BI, Excel and project reporting tools
  • Experience driving digital transformation, reporting improvements and portfolio optimisation initiatives

Why join us?

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in one of Mott Mac Donald's fastest-growing sectors.

You will help shape the delivery of major National Grid programmes, influence strategic decisions across a significant portfolio, and contribute to projects that are critical to achieving the UK's energy transition ambitions.

UK Immigration

Mott Mac Donald Ltd. are not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK.

This decision is as a consequence of the changes made to the Skilled Worker route by the UK Government in April 2024.

We continue to welcome applications from candidates who are eligible for alternative immigration routes in the UK, that do not require sponsorship as a Skilled Worker now or in future.

Agile working

At Mott Mac Donald, we believe it makes business sense for you and your manager to choose how you can work most effectively to meet your client, team, and personal commitments.

We offer a hybrid working policy that embraces your well-being, flexibility, and trust.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion

We put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all.

We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they can contribute.

AI Usage

At Mott Mac Donald, we see the value AI can bring, but we take a people-first approach to hiring.

While AI tools can help candidates prepare and build confidence, every application and hiring decision is reviewed by our recruitment and hiring teams.

We encourage the responsible use of AI while ensuring we get to know the real person behind the application.

Accessibility

We want you to feel supported and able to perform at your best throughout our recruitment process.

If there is anything we can do to make applying or interviewing with us more accessible, please contact us at reasonable. adjustments@mottmac. com and we’ll be happy to discuss how we can help.

We offer some fantastic benefits including

  • Financial wellbeing
  • We match employee pension contributions between 4.5% and 7%.
  • Life assurance equal up to 4 x your basic salary, with an option to increase the level of cover to 6 x your salary.
  • Our income protection scheme provides a financial benefit, as well as absence and return to work support due to long-term illness or injury.
  • Flexible benefits, including increased life assurance cover, critical illness insurance, payroll saving and will writing.
  • As an independently owned business we share the financial success of the business with all our colleagues in various ways including annual bonus schemes.
  • Employee Ownership
  • Our employee ownership model means no external investors, just us, creating a culture of shared success.
  • Our employees have a stake and a voice in our business, giving them a direct connection to our success through our personal and group performance bonuses.
  • As your career grows, so does your stake, recognising your long-term impact and contribution.
  • Your voice matters, with the opportunity to connect directly with senior leadership through formal channels to help shape our future.
  • For our senior roles you will have a direct pathway towards ownership from day one.
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Private medical insurance for all UK colleagues.
  • Health cash plan to support you with every day health costs and treatments.
  • Access to Peppy, providing free support from menopause experts for all UK colleagues.
  • A variety of wellbeing support is available through our comprehensive wellbeing program, including access for you and your family.
  • Ability to flex your salary to opt into a wide range of health benefits, many of which can be extended to your family too.
  • Lifestyle
  • A minimum of 33-35 days holiday each year, inclusive of public holidays and dependent on level, with the ability to buy or sell leave through our flexible benefits programme.
  • 10 days additional paid leave for Armed Forces Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.
  • Holiday entitlement increased to a minimum of 35 days after 5 years' service.
  • Variety of employee saving schemes and discounts from high-street retailers.
  • Enhanced family and carers leave
  • Enhanced family leave policies, including 26 weeks paid maternity and adoption leave, and two weeks paid paternity/partner leave.
  • Our shared parental leave matches maternity leave meaning we pay up to 24 weeks at full pay.
  • Up to five additional days leave are provided for those with significant caring responsibilities, two of which are paid.
  • We offer policies and dedicated support to help military families balance service life with career and wellbeing.
  • Learning and development
  • Primary annual professional institution subscription.
  • A broad range of opportunities to enhance both technical and soft skills through mentoring, formal training, and self-development options.
  • Networks, communities, and social outcomes
  • Join a wide range of groups including our Advanced Employee Networks which support our LGBTQ+, gender, race and ethnicity, disability, and parents/carers communities.
  • We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and Gold Award holders in the MOD Employer Recognition Scheme, supported by our dedicated internal Armed Forces Network.
  • Make a difference within our communities through our social outcomes.
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Programme Manager employer: Mott MacDonald

At Mott MacDonald, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. With a strong focus on professional development, we provide ample opportunities for growth within the energy sector, particularly in high-voltage transmission systems. Our UK-wide presence allows for diverse project experiences, making it an exciting place to contribute to the global energy transition while working alongside industry experts.

Mott MacDonald

Contact Details:

Mott MacDonald Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Programme Manager

Reach Out to Local Engineering Communities

Get involved with local engineering groups or meetups in your area. These gatherings are often goldmines for part-time opportunities where you can network directly with industry professionals and learn about openings at companies like Mott MacDonald.

Showcase Your Projects

As an aspiring engineer, consider showcasing your hands-on projects on platforms like GitHub or your personal website. This not only highlights your skills but also gives potential employers an insight into your practical abilities, making you stand out when applying for part-time roles.

Leverage University Resources

If you're studying engineering, your university’s career services are a treasure trove of information. They often have listings for part-time roles and internships, and can connect you with alumni networks where opportunities at companies like Mott MacDonald might be hiding.

Don't Underestimate Speculative Applications

Even if you don't see a job ad for a part-time engineering position, don't hesitate to send a speculative application to Mott MacDonald. Highlight your skills and express your eagerness to contribute. Sometimes, businesses create roles for the right candidate when they see potential!

We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager

Programme Management
Portfolio Management
Project Management
Stakeholder Management
Resource Planning
Project Controls
Risk Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Practical Skills:In engineering, we really want to see what you can actually do. Make sure your CV showcases relevant technical skills and any projects you've worked on—whether in coursework or outside of classes. Specifics about your engineering tools and software are gold dust!

Show Off Team Projects:Teamwork is key in engineering, so if you've collaborated on any projects, be sure to mention them! Talk about what your role was, any challenges you faced, and how you worked together to solve problems. It’ll give us a peek into how you operate in a team environment.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to Part-Time Work:Since this is a part-time gig, let us know how you can balance this role alongside your other commitments. Whether you’re a student or juggling life, mention how you’ll manage your time effectively and what you’ll bring to the table during your hours with us at Mott MacDonald.

Include Relevant Coursework and Projects:If you’ve taken courses that relate to the role you're applying for or have completed relevant projects, make sure these stand out on your CV. It’s not just about work experience; we want to see what you've learned and how it practically applies to the position at Mott MacDonald.

How to prepare for a job interview at Mott MacDonald

Know Your Engineering Fundamentals

Brush up on the core engineering principles related to your specific area of expertise. Expect questions that dive into technical concepts and problem-solving scenarios that showcase your understanding of these fundamentals. We want you to demonstrate that you can apply these principles in real-world situations!

Practical Problem-Solving Exercises

Be prepared for some hands-on problem-solving tasks during the interview. You might be given a case study or a technical problem to solve on the spot. This is your chance to showcase not just your technical skills but also your critical thinking and creativity, so stay cool and think aloud to let them see your thought process.

Highlight Your Availability Flexibility

Since this is a part-time role, be clear about your availability when discussing your schedule with Mott MacDonald. They want to know you can balance your commitments, so indicating how you can fit this role alongside other engagements can really work in your favour. Let’s show them your eagerness to make it work!

Build a Mini-Portfolio of Projects

Even for a part-time role, having a portfolio showcasing your engineering projects can set you apart. This could include university projects, personal experiments, or collaborative work. Share a couple of these during the interview to demonstrate your passion and practical experience, and make it easy for them to see your potential contribution.