At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative engineering and product development programmes across multiple teams.
- Company: Join Slingco, a top supplier of high-quality tools with 40 years of industry experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, hybrid working options, and enhanced pension contributions.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and to work on safety-critical applications globally.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while driving innovation and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; experience in leading cross-functional teams.
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.
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 to identify opportunities for developing both the quality and profitability of the service.
Assist in providing best practice and continuous improvement within delivery teams.
Programme Director - Product Development employer: Slingco
Slingco is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a comprehensive benefits package including 33 days of annual leave, enhanced pension contributions, and a hybrid working option. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and accountability, empowering employees to lead impactful engineering and product development programmes in a dynamic environment. Located in the heart of Lancashire, we provide a supportive atmosphere where your contributions directly influence our success across diverse global markets.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Director - Product Development
✨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 a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Slingco's products and values. Show us you understand our commitment to quality and innovation, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with our goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about what you bring to the table and how you can lead product development at Slingco. Confidence is key, so rehearse your answers to common interview questions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows us you're genuinely interested in joining the Slingco team.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Director - Product Development
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 the key duties and responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see your leadership style! Share examples of how you've managed teams and driven successful outcomes in previous roles. This will help us understand how you can lead our product development initiatives.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Slingco team!
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 their New Product Development (NPD) and New Product Introduction (NPI) methodologies. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've led similar programmes will show that you understand the role and can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to share examples of how you've successfully managed cross-functional teams in the past. Highlight your ability to influence and drive collaboration across departments. This is crucial for the Programme Director role, so be ready to discuss how you’ve navigated challenges and achieved results through effective leadership.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Slingco values candidates who understand the commercial aspects of product development. Brush up on your knowledge of budget management and resource planning. Be prepared to discuss how you've balanced technical and operational priorities while ensuring alignment with business objectives in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Expect questions about how you've built relationships with stakeholders at all levels, including Board-level reporting. Think of specific instances where you’ve communicated effectively across different functions and how you’ve managed expectations. This will demonstrate your capability to drive cross-functional coordination, which is key for this position.
