At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex programmes in aviation and defence, ensuring timely delivery and customer satisfaction.
- Company: Established manufacturer of mission-critical equipment with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, 25 days leave, private healthcare, and professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and international travel.
- Why this job: Own high-value projects that matter, with real accountability and senior exposure.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management, strong communication skills, and ability to lead teams.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Take full ownership of complex, high-value programmes that keep critical aviation and defence technology on track. This is a Programme Manager role for someone who delivers, on schedule, on budget, to specification. As a Programme Manager you will take sole responsibility for the delivery of high-value, technically complex programmes for an established manufacturer of mission‑critical equipment for the aviation and defence sectors. From bid through to delivery, you will own the schedule, the budget, the risk and the customer relationship, making sure each programme lands on time, on cost and to specification. This is accountability in the real sense. You will lead cross‑functional teams, work directly with senior customers and your own executive team, and be trusted to keep demanding programmes predictable and under control. If you take pride in bringing order to complexity and delivering what you promised, this role will give you plenty to get hold of.
Job Responsibilities
- Taking full accountability for delivering assigned programmes to specification, budget and schedule
- Owning programme performance, including revenue, cash milestones and customer satisfaction
- Producing and maintaining the Programme Management Plan, schedule and work breakdown structure
- Assembling and leading cross‑functional project teams, resolving resource conflicts as they arise
- Monitoring progress against the baseline and taking corrective action to keep programmes on track
- Managing budgets and estimates to complete, and reporting any margin deviations monthly
- Owning the risk register, running regular risk reviews and managing contingency funds
- Reviewing contract documentation and resolving issues with the commercial and delivery teams
- Presenting programme status at programme reviews and watch lists, and reporting to senior management
- Supporting bids by extracting requirements, building schedules, costing and shaping winning proposals
- Working directly with customers and senior stakeholders throughout the programme lifecycle
Skills and Experience
- Expertise in MS Project to manage cost and schedule adherence, which is essential
- Experience using a range of project controls, tools and metrics, which is essential
- The ability to hold and maintain UK Government security clearance, holding SC clearance with a willingness to go higher
- A valid UK passport and driving licence, with a willingness to undertake some international travel
- Demonstrable experience managing advanced electronic systems or equipment design projects with significant customer interfacing
- A professional project management qualification, or strong, demonstrable project management experience
- Experience of bid and proposal work on high‑value, complex deliverables
- A good understanding of contractual terms, ideally including UK MOD and government contracts
- The ability to lead and motivate cross‑functional teams and mentor junior project managers
- Strong analytical, communication and negotiation skills, comfortable interfacing up to executive level
- A degree‑level education, ideally with an MBA, which is desirable
- Experience of software or electronic hardware development, and of export licensing across the UK, EU and US, which is desirable
Pay and Benefits
- Competitive salary
- 5 hours per week
- Flexitime with core hours between 09:30 and 15:00
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Enhanced pension scheme with up to 8% company contribution
- Private healthcare
- Life assurance
- Cycle to work scheme
- Subsidised staff canteen
- Free on‑site parking
- Option to buy or sell annual leave
- Liberty Days allowing short notice annual leave requests
- Long service and retirement awards
- Flu vaccinations
- Training and continuous professional development opportunities
- Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
Ready to apply? Programmes like these do not run themselves, and the people who can be trusted to deliver them are rare. This is the chance to own complex, high‑value work that genuinely matters, with real accountability, senior exposure and the autonomy to run it your way. If you are a Programme Manager who delivers what you promise and wants programmes worth delivering, this is one to act on. Apply now.
Programme Manager employer: Recruit Mint Ltd
As a Programme Manager at our esteemed organisation, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that values accountability and innovation, all while contributing to critical aviation and defence technology. We offer competitive salaries, flexible working hours, and a comprehensive benefits package, including enhanced pension contributions and continuous professional development opportunities, ensuring that you grow alongside the company. Located in a supportive environment, you will have the autonomy to lead complex programmes and make a meaningful impact in your field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Recruit Mint Ltd for a Programme Manager. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Recruit Mint Ltd, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Recruit Mint Ltd, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Recruit Mint Ltd
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Recruit Mint Ltd.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Recruit Mint Ltd. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Recruit Mint Ltd love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.