Programmes Lead in Banbury

Programmes Lead – Banbury – Site-based

At Safran, excellence is a journey – and we'd love you to be a part of it. As a trusted global leader in aerospace, defence, and space, we are proud to be a company where diversity, innovation, and opportunity come together to shape a sustainable future where we can all succeed together through a shared vision.

Safran Actuation Systems UK is a world‑class centre for the design, manufacture and support of actuation and flight‑control solutions used across commercial, military and rotary platforms. With major sites in Wolverhampton and Banbury, our teams play a critical role in delivering innovative, reliable and safe systems that keep aircraft performing at their best.

Our UK Actuation business brings together engineering excellence, advanced manufacturing capability and a proud heritage within the aerospace sector. Whether supporting major global programmes or developing the next generation of actuation technologies, our people are at the heart of everything we do.

Benefits

• Early finish on Fridays
• Competitive salary and annual bonus and pay review
• 25 days' holiday + bank holidays
• Private medical insurance
• Comprehensive health cash plan
• Flexible working options
• Pension (10% employer contribution) and life assurance
• Professional development, ongoing training, mentoring
• Onsite amenities: parking, restaurant, bicycle storage, showers
• Family‑friendly and accessible workplace policies

Your Role

Lead and deliver complex aerospace programmes across the full lifecycle, from research and development through to production and aftermarket support.

Drive performance, customer engagement, and team leadership to ensure delivery against cost, quality, and schedule targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead multiple programmes across NPI, production, and R&T, ensuring delivery to cost, quality, and schedule commitments
• Act as primary interface with OEM and Tier 1 customers, providing governance, reporting, and performance oversight
• Manage programme plans, budgets, resources, risks, and P&L performance, driving continuous improvement and margin growth
• Oversee NPI and industrialisation activities, including qualification, certification, and production readiness (APQP/PPAP/EIS)
• Coordinate cross‑functional teams (engineering, manufacturing, supply chain) to resolve issues and deliver programme milestones
• Lead technology development and R&T initiatives, ensuring successful transition into production programmes
• Provide leadership, coaching, and development for Programme and Project Managers, managing resources and team performance

What You’ll Bring

• Degree in Engineering, Aerospace, Manufacturing, or Business (Master's/professional certifications desirable)
• Significant programme management experience in aerospace, defence, or regulated manufacturing environments
• Proven experience working with OEM and Tier 1 customers and delivering complex programmes end‑to‑end
• Strong knowledge of product development, certification, industrialisation, and production processes
• Demonstrated financial and P&L management capability with a track record of on‑time, on‑budget delivery
• Experience leading and developing teams, with strong stakeholder management and leadership skills

At Safran, we understand that diversity and inclusion make teams stronger and more effective, and as an organisation, we are committed to fair and equitable employment practices for everyone.

We also know that some candidates may be put off applying for jobs where they don't meet 100% of the criteria outlined in the advert, however, we encourage anybody to apply if you can demonstrate a variety of skills and experience relevant to the requirements of this role. Please let us know if you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to the application or hiring process that may better facilitate your participation.