At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage complex engineering programmes, ensuring timely and budget-friendly delivery.
- Company: Leading UK engineering firm specialising in innovative electronic systems.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with strong career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Drive operational excellence and make a real impact in a cutting-edge manufacturing setting.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and experience in programme management within engineering sectors.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
About the Company
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head of Programmes / Project Management to join a leading UK engineering and manufacturing business specialising in innovative electronic and electro-mechanical systems. Operating across sectors including rail, aviation, defence, infrastructure and industrial engineering, this senior leadership role is ideal for a commercially aware programme management professional with a strong technical and operational background.
About the Role
Based in Saffron Walden, Essex, the successful candidate will lead and oversee multiple complex engineering programmes, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget and aligned to strategic business objectives. This role offers the opportunity to play a key part in driving operational excellence, programme performance and continuous improvement within a highly technical manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage multiple engineering and technical programmes from initiation through to delivery
- Define programme scope, objectives, timelines and deliverables aligned with wider business goals
- Develop and oversee detailed programme plans, budgets, resource allocation and delivery schedules
- Coordinate cross-functional teams, suppliers and third-party contractors to ensure successful execution
- Drive programme governance, risk management and performance reporting across all projects
- Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, customers and executive leadership teams
- Ensure programmes are delivered on time, within budget and to required quality standards
- Identify opportunities for operational improvements, process optimisation and greater efficiency
- Mentor and support project management teams while fostering a high-performance culture
- Ensure compliance with company policies, engineering standards and industry best practices
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Management, Engineering or a related field
- Professional certification such as PRINCE2, PMP or Agile preferred
Required Skills
- Proven experience in a Head of Programmes, Senior Programme Manager or similar leadership role
- Strong background within engineering, manufacturing, infrastructure, rail, aviation, defence or industrial sectors
- Excellent leadership, stakeholder management and programme delivery capabilities
- Strong understanding of programme and project management methodologies including Agile and Waterfall
- Experience using project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Jira, Trello or Asana
- Strong commercial awareness with budgeting, forecasting and financial management experience
- Exceptional communication, organisational and problem-solving skills
- Ability to manage multiple large-scale programmes within a fast-paced environment
- Hands-on approach with the ability to resolve complex operational and technical challenges
Preferred Skills
- Experience in a highly technical manufacturing environment
Equal Opportunity Statement
We are committed to diversity and inclusivity in our hiring practices and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.
Head of Project Management in Essex employer: Redline Group - Specialist Recruitment for Technology & Electronics Companies
Join a leading UK engineering and manufacturing business in Saffron Walden, where innovation meets operational excellence. As the Head of Project Management, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee growth and development, offering mentorship and opportunities to lead complex programmes across diverse sectors. With a commitment to inclusivity and a focus on continuous improvement, this role provides a rewarding environment for those looking to make a significant impact in a highly technical field.
Contact Details:
Redline Group - Specialist Recruitment for Technology & Electronics Companies Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Project Management in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their projects, values, and challenges. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex programmes and led teams to achieve operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Project Management in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your leadership roles and any relevant project management experience in engineering or manufacturing to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Project Management role. Share specific examples of how you've led successful projects and improved processes in the past.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since we're looking for someone with a strong technical background, don’t forget to mention your familiarity with project management tools like Microsoft Project or Jira. This will show us you’re ready to hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Redline Group - Specialist Recruitment for Technology & Electronics Companies
✨Know Your Programmes Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the company's engineering programmes and projects. Familiarise yourself with their recent achievements and challenges in sectors like rail, aviation, and defence. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and ability to lead complex projects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully managed cross-functional teams in the past. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've driven programme governance and fostered a high-performance culture. This will highlight your capability to mentor and support project management teams effectively.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since the role requires strong commercial awareness, be ready to talk about your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial management. Share examples of how you've ensured projects were delivered on time and within budget, as this will show your understanding of the financial aspects of programme management.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Given the technical nature of the role, brush up on relevant project management methodologies like Agile and Waterfall. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these methodologies in previous roles, and consider bringing along any project management tools you've used, such as Microsoft Project or Jira, to showcase your hands-on experience.
