At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative product development programmes and drive cross-functional collaboration.
- Company: Join Slingco, a global leader in high-quality tools with over 40 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, hybrid working options, and enhanced pension contributions.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and international collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in engineering while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; strong leadership and project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
COMPANY BACKGROUND
Slingco is an award-winning supplier of high-quality tools and accessories for the installation and handling of cable, with over 40 years of industry heritage. We serve customers in over 70 countries worldwide from our head office in Lancashire, UK, and bases in Georgia, USA, and Bengaluru, India. Our products are used in safety critical applications for a wide range of markets including oil & gas, civil engineering, aerospace, transport, utilities, marine/offshore and the military.
LOCATION
Onsite at Slingco's Head Office in Rawtenstall, Lancashire
BENEFITS
- 33 days’ annual leave including Bank Holidays, rising to 38 with service
- Option to purchase up to 5 additional holidays
- Hybrid working option for eligible roles
- Enhanced employer pension contributions
- Your birthday off every year
- Life assurance cover worth 4x salary
- Gym membership
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Employee loan scheme
- Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
POSITION SUMMARY
The Programme Director - Product Development will lead the delivery of strategically important engineering and product development programmes across the business. The role is responsible for establishing and driving cross‑functional coordination and execution across the organisation including engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, operations, sales, marketing, fulfilment, design and commercial teams to ensure programmes are delivered safely, effectively, on time, within budget and aligned to business objectives.
The role will oversee multiple concurrent programmes including New Product Development (NPD), New Product Introduction (NPI) and engineering change initiatives across Slingco’s international operations. It will ensure alignment across the full product lifecycle, coordinating activities from concept development and market requirements through design, operational readiness, customer introduction and ongoing product support.
KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Program Leadership and Delivery
Lead multiple concurrent engineering and product development programmes from concept and market alignment through to implementation, customer introduction and operational handover. Manage programme timelines, budgets, priorities and resource planning activities. Support and drive New Product Development (NPD) and New Product Introduction (NPI) activities across all functions within the business. Coordinate cross‑functional delivery activities across engineering, sales, marketing, fulfilment, quality, design and operations to ensure successful commercial and operational execution of programmes. Manage and develop scalable programme management processes and governance across international operations. Ensure effective transition of products and engineering changes into manufacturing and operational environments. Lead programme review and escalation process with senior leadership teams. Support strategic business transformation and continuous improvement initiatives. - Stakeholder Management
Drive cross‑functional coordination between engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, operations, sales, marketing, fulfilment, design and commercial teams. Provide clear programme reporting and updates to senior leadership and Board‑level stakeholders. Build strong working relationships across departments to ensure alignment, accountability and pace of execution. Coordinate activities across multiple sites, suppliers and international stakeholders. - Leadership and Coaching
Line management, coaching and development of junior Project Managers, ensuring effective workload allocation, performance management and professional growth. Mentor and support business wide colleagues on project management best practice. Drive a culture of accountability, collaboration and delivery excellence. - Governance, Planning and Controls
Maintain and develop programme governance, reporting structures, delivery milestones and risk management processes. Identify and manage programme risks, dependencies and escalation points. Develop and optimise standardised project and programme management methodologies, tools and reporting processes.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
- Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to influence across all levels of the business.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Ability to balance technical, operational and commercial priorities while driving alignment across multiple business functions.
- Commercially aware with strong analytical and problem‑solving capability.
- Proactive, resilient and delivery-focused approach within fast‑paced environments.
- Ability to build collaborative cross‑functional relationships and drive continuous improvement.
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
- Degree qualification in Mechanical Engineering, related engineering discipline, or qualification by experience.
- Demonstrable ability to lead engineering or product development programmes within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
- Proven experience managing cross‑functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, sales, marketing, fulfilment, design and operations.
- Strong experience in New Product Development (NPD) and New Product Introduction (NPI).
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent programmes and priorities.
- Strong commercial awareness and experience managing budgets, timelines and delivery performance.
- Experience implementing programme governance and project management best practices.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, including Board-level reporting.
- Strong leadership, influencing and decision‑making capability.
- Experience operating within fast‑paced, growth oriented businesses.
- Highly organised with strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
- Knowledge and experience of engineering change management and stage-gate development process.
- Formal project or programme management qualification (APM, PRINCE2, PMP or equivalent).
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and agree phasing and programs for strategic objectives.
- Develop implementation strategies for delivery of strategic objectives.
- Be responsible for administration of projects.
- Setting up and delivery of best practice PMO systems and controls.
- Lead service delivery with existing key clients, maintaining and strengthening the client relationships, using opportunities to grow the PMO role in change management.
- Gain the confidence of the internal client and become the focal point for communication.
- Represent the company in a professional and diligent manner, meeting, negotiating and corresponding with all clients and partners forming a strong working relationship in true partnership.
- Ensure consistency of service delivery and identify opportunities for developing both the quality and profitability of the service.
- Assist in providing best practice and continuous improvement within delivery teams.
Product Development Programme Director employer: Slingco
At Slingco, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our head office in Rawtenstall, Lancashire. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive benefits including generous annual leave, hybrid working options, and professional development opportunities, all while fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. Join us to be part of a team that values precision and quality in every aspect of our work, ensuring that you can thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Programme Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with Slingco employees on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Slingco's products and values. Show us how your experience aligns with our mission of delivering high-quality tools and accessories. Tailor your answers to reflect our commitment to safety and precision.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how you can lead product development programmes effectively. Highlight your experience in managing cross-functional teams and driving innovation, just like we do at Slingco.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining the Slingco team.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Programme Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Programme Director role. Highlight your experience in leading engineering and product development programmes, and don’t forget to showcase your cross-functional coordination skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for Slingco. Mention specific projects or achievements that align with our values and the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see your leadership style! In your application, share examples of how you've managed teams and driven successful outcomes in fast-paced environments. This will help us understand your approach to programme management.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the Slingco family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Slingco
✨Know Your Product Development Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Slingco's product development processes. Familiarise yourself with New Product Development (NPD) and New Product Introduction (NPI) methodologies. Be ready to discuss how you can lead these initiatives effectively, showcasing your understanding of the engineering lifecycle.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing cross-functional teams. Think about times when you successfully influenced stakeholders or drove collaboration across departments. This will demonstrate your ability to lead multiple concurrent programmes as outlined in the job description.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions that assess your technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. Brush up on your understanding of engineering principles and project management best practices. Being able to articulate how you've applied these in past roles will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Align with Company Values
Slingco places a strong emphasis on quality and innovation. Research their core values and think about how your personal values align with theirs. During the interview, express your commitment to delivering high-quality products and fostering a positive work culture, which is crucial for this role.
