At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage complex engineering programmes from start to finish.
- Company: Leading UK engineering and manufacturing business with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced role with opportunities for continuous improvement and career advancement.
- Why this job: Drive operational excellence and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in engineering or related sectors required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head of Programmes 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.
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.
Key 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
- 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
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Management, Engineering or a related field
- Professional certification such as PRINCE2, PMP or Agile preferred
Head of Programmes & Projects - Engineering Leadership in Essex employer: Redline
Join a leading UK engineering and manufacturing business in Saffron Walden, Essex, where innovation meets excellence. As an employer, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that encourages professional growth and development, offering competitive benefits and the chance to lead impactful engineering programmes across diverse sectors. With a commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement, we provide a dynamic environment for talented individuals to thrive and make a meaningful contribution to our success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Programmes & Projects - Engineering Leadership 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, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and recent achievements. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams and managed complex programmes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented individuals like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Programmes & Projects - Engineering Leadership in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in programme management and engineering, and don’t forget to mention any relevant certifications like PRINCE2 or PMP. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for the Head of Programmes role. Share specific examples of your leadership in complex projects and how you’ve driven operational excellence in previous roles.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since we’re in the engineering and manufacturing sector, make sure to highlight your technical skills and experience with project management tools like Microsoft Project or Jira. We love seeing how you’ve used these tools to deliver successful programmes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Redline
✨Know Your Programmes Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific programmes and projects the company is currently managing. Familiarise yourself with their objectives, challenges, and successes. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of Programmes, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led cross-functional teams in the past. Highlight your approach to mentoring and fostering a high-performance culture, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Savvy
Given the technical nature of the role, brush up on relevant engineering concepts and methodologies like Agile and Waterfall. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, especially in managing complex engineering programmes.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think of specific instances where you've navigated challenges in programme delivery, managed risks, or improved operational efficiency. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
