Programme Manager 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 delivery-focused Programme Manager to support defence programmes across Ocean Infinity. Reporting to the Programme Director, you will be responsible for the end-to-end day‑to‑day delivery of assigned programmes and projects, ensuring that cost, schedule, quality, and stakeholder outcomes are met. You will operate at the centre of a matrix delivery model, coordinating technical, operational, and functional teams to deliver successful outcomes for government and commercial customers. This role is suited to someone with proven defence or highly regulated programme delivery experience, a strong stakeholder management capability, and a pragmatic mindset.

What you will be doing:

• Own and manage the day-to-day delivery of complex technical programmes and projects from mobilisation through delivery and transition to service.
• Manage programme performance across schedule, cost, risk, quality, and contractual commitments, escalating issues appropriately to the Programme Director.
• Act as the primary delivery interface with customers and key stakeholders, building trust and credibility through transparent communication and delivery realism.
• Coordinate and lead multi-disciplinary delivery teams operating across engineering, systems integration, maritime operations, supply chain, and central functions.
• Manage programme office activities, including planning, scheduling, reporting, change control, and risk & opportunity management.
• Support bid and opportunity phases by providing delivery input, resourcing assumptions, and execution plans grounded in real delivery experience.
• Ensure compliance with defence, contractual, governance, and regulatory requirements.
• Work collaboratively with functional line managers to secure and coordinate resources while maintaining clear delivery accountability.
• Provide regular, accurate programme reporting to support decision making at Programme Director and leadership level.
• Contribute to a culture of accountability, pragmatism, continuous improvement, and delivery excellence.

Who you are:

• A minimum of 5 years' experience (preferably in Maritime), with a track record of delivering complex technical programmes, ideally within defence or similarly regulated environments.
• Proven experience delivering to defence customers, with an understanding of defence-specific governance, compliance, and delivery constraints, such as DEF STANS.
• Highly effective stakeholder manager, comfortable engaging with customers, senior internal leaders, technical specialists, and partners.
• Delivery‑focused and pragmatic, able to challenge unrealistic assumptions and translate ambiguity into executable plans.
• Experienced working within matrix organisations, coordinating teams that do not always report directly to you.
• Commercially aware, with experience managing budgets, forecasts, risk, and cost control.
• Comfortable operating across bid, delivery, and in‑service phases of a contract.
• Values experience and judgement over rigid process, while still understanding when governance and discipline are essential.
• Hands‑on, resilient, and accountable, willing to roll up sleeves when required.
• Strong written and verbal communicator, able to explain complex issues clearly to non‑specialists.
• High personal integrity and values aligned with Ocean Infinity’s culture.
• Commitment to training, career development, and progression.
• MOD Security Clearance required (or eligibility to obtain).

Salary: The salary varies for this position as we are recruiting in multiple regional locations and job grades. The salary process is based on skills, abilities, and experience required.

What you can expect:

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.