Programme Director in Southampton

We are using and creating technology to transform operations at sea to enable people and the planet to thrive. We are open-minded and fearless in our approach to innovation and don’t believe in boundaries. We challenge everything and have massive ambitions to drag aging industries into the tech era. We take safety, equality and education very seriously, and our responsibilities don’t stop at our front door. Our business is built on the belief that there’s definitely a more environmentally responsible way to operate at sea. We employ people who share our core values. We expect our people to be courageous, trustworthy, and conscientious, driven by a desire to do the right thing. We strive for excellence, work collaboratively, and are genuinely excited by our work. We offer opportunities for our people to develop beyond their role and span a multitude of disciplines. These are open to all, regardless of background and experience level. Working with us means being part of a team that is harnessing technology and creativity to disrupt a traditional industry. We are not your average workplace.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Programme Director to lead the delivery of defence and national security programmes in the UK. Reporting to the UK Managing Director, you will join the UK leadership team and be accountable for all aspects of programme delivery to government and commercial customers.

• Lead and manage the delivery of large, complex technical programmes for defence clients, ensuring excellence in execution and customer success.
• Own and manage all elements of programme delivery, including client relationship management, technical oversight, risk and financial management, and programme P&L.
• Build and lead a high-performing team of project managers, technical experts, and maritime service delivery professionals.
• Engage closely and collaboratively across Ocean Infinity’s technology, service delivery, and customer teams to prioritise and deliver work against critical milestones.
• Oversee systems engineering delivery through trials, evaluation, and transition to service/platform delivery.
• Provide product and technology oversight within the context of assigned programmes.
• Ensure regular, accurate reporting to support effective information sharing and strategic decision-making.
• Support the division and wider business through clear forecasts of resource demand, financial position, and contract delivery.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and teamwork.
• Represent Ocean Infinity with senior government staff, business executives, and industry partners in the UK and overseas.

• Passion for solving complex problems in challenging environments.
• Hands-on, detail-oriented leader with a track record of successful programme delivery (£25m+), including profit & loss responsibility.
• Deep subject matter expertise in maritime defence delivery, including platforms (sub-sea and surface), remote/autonomous/robotic technology, and systems engineering/integration.
• Proven experience working with UK Government organisations and delivering services both directly and through industrial partners.
• Strong communicator, able to engage at all levels and explain technical matters to non-specialists.
• Analytical and systematic approach to technical and stakeholder challenges, with excellent decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated resource management and cross-functional engagement, including collaboration with commercial, supply chain, finance, HR, and trade compliance teams.
• Strong people skills, able to motivate, influence, and enable individuals inside and outside direct management, including mentoring, coaching, and performance management.
• Self-motivated and resilient, able to lead by example under pressure and shoulder accountability for programme performance.
• High personal integrity and values aligned with Ocean Infinity’s culture.
• Experience delivering remote, autonomous, and robotic technology solutions is highly desirable.

At Ocean Infinity, we believe in creating equal opportunities for all, celebrating each and everyone’s differences. We are driven by transforming the industry, through our technology, thoughts, behaviours and actions. Being inclusive and respectful to all is fundamental to who we are. It is the right thing to do and enables innovation and creativity to thrive. There is more work to be done, and we know that we aren’t perfect, but our commitment to these values is unwavering. They are central to our mission and the impact we have on the industry, meaning, we cannot live without them.