At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead certification and testing programmes for capital equipment, ensuring timely delivery and quality standards.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation in Milton Keynes with a hybrid work model.
- Benefits: Competitive salary and the chance to work on impactful projects.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and evolving environment.
- Why this job: Make a difference in product testing and certification while collaborating with industry leaders.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management, certification, and strong stakeholder engagement skills required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Location: Milton Keynes (Hybrid)
Salary: Competitive
Contract: 12-Month contract
Our client is seeking an experienced Capital Equipment Certification & Product Testing Programme Manager to join on a 12-month contract. This is a high-impact, delivery-focused role responsible for two critical workstreams: certification and product/equipment testing.
Reporting to the Head of Operations & Performance, you will work closely with certification and testing partners, equipment manufacturers, suppliers, retailers and wider industry stakeholders to ensure both programmes are delivered effectively and to agreed timescales.
Key Responsibilities
- RVM Certification
- Develop and manage an effective end-to-end equipment certification process alongside external delivery partners.
- Oversee supplier applications, approvals and certification status.
- Manage programme timelines, milestones and delivery against the October 2027 go-live.
- Establish and maintain appropriate supplier records and certification registers.
- Manage incidents, non-conformances, remediation and escalation where required.
- Provide clear progress, risk and issue reporting to senior stakeholders.
- Product & Container Testing
- Oversee the testing programme to ensure containers are compatible with the automated technology.
- Coordinate the sourcing and management of test samples through suppliers, retailers and other relevant channels.
- Oversee formal and informal testing activity, ensuring results are accurately captured and assessed.
- Analyse testing outcomes, identify potential risks and ensure findings are clearly reported.
- Develop and maintain consistent testing processes and a central database of testing outcomes.
- Stakeholder & Delivery Partner Management
- Act as the key point of contact for certification and product testing delivery partners.
- Procure, manage and oversee third-party partners, ensuring delivery against agreed scope, quality and timelines.
- Build effective relationships with equipment manufacturers, suppliers, packaging manufacturers, retailers and relevant industry bodies.
- Resolve technical or delivery issues and maintain effective communication across stakeholders.
- Represent the organisation in relevant industry forums and working groups.
- Governance, Risk & Reporting
- Establish clear governance, reporting and escalation processes across both workstreams.
- Identify, assess and manage programme risks and issues, developing appropriate mitigation plans.
- Maintain robust documentation and audit trails to support assurance and regulatory requirements.
- Produce clear and credible reports and updates for senior stakeholders.
- Support the transition of both programmes into business-as-usual operations following go-live.
About You
We are looking for an experienced Programme or Project Manager with a background in certification, compliance, quality assurance, or product testing, ideally gained within a regulated, scheme-based, manufacturing or technology environment.
You will have:
- A proven track record of delivering complex, multi-stakeholder programmes against fixed deadlines.
- Experience procuring and managing third-party delivery partners.
- Experience developing supplier or partner registers, application processes and approaches to incident and non-conformance management.
- Strong programme and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent workstreams, timelines and external partners.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build strong relationships across suppliers, delivery partners and internal teams.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret testing information, identify risks and highlight opportunities for improvement.
- A highly organised and self-directed approach, with the confidence to operate autonomously in a fast-moving and evolving programme.
- Experience within deposit return schemes, reverse vending technology, packaging, waste and resources would be highly desirable.
- Experience of testing or inspection activity, including mystery shopping, on-site testing or sample management, would also be advantageous.
Programme Manager - Certification & Equipment Testing in Northampton employer: Robert Walters
Join a leading organisation in the UK property and infrastructure sector as a Legal Director - Construction and Development, where you will be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration and innovation. With a hybrid working model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth, this role offers a unique chance to influence major projects while enjoying a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and development. Located in Cheshire, you will benefit from a vibrant community and access to a wealth of resources in the construction and development field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager - Certification & Equipment Testing in Northampton
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like Robert Walters. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at Robert Walters.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at Robert Walters.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager - Certification & Equipment Testing in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at Robert Walters and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Robert Walters
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like Robert Walters will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to Robert Walters.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at Robert Walters.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at Robert Walters. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
