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 work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in engineering while working on exciting projects across multiple sectors.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field, with 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.
KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Demonstratable 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.
- Gain the confidence of the internal client and become the focal point for communication.
- Represent the company in a professional and diligent manner.
- 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 in Rossendale employer: Slingco
Slingco is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our head office in Rawtenstall, Lancashire, where innovation and quality are at the forefront of our operations. With generous benefits including 33 days of annual leave, enhanced pension contributions, and opportunities for professional growth, we foster a culture of collaboration and accountability that empowers employees to excel in their roles. Join us to be part of a team that values precision and excellence in delivering high-quality products across diverse sectors worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Programme Director in Rossendale
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Slingco and its products. Understand their values and how they operate. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Programme Director in Rossendale
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Programme Director role. Highlight your experience in leading engineering and product development programmes, and don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications or achievements that align with our needs at Slingco.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you’ve successfully managed cross-functional teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you've influenced stakeholders and driven projects to completion, especially in fast-paced environments like ours.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us quickly understand your qualifications and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. 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 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 Cross-Functional Leadership Skills
This role requires collaboration across various teams. Prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing cross-functional teams. Discuss how you've successfully coordinated between engineering, sales, and marketing to deliver projects on time and within budget. This will demonstrate your ability to drive alignment and accountability.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Risk Management
Slingco values precision and safety, so be prepared to talk about how you've identified and managed risks in previous projects. Share specific instances where your proactive approach mitigated potential issues. This will illustrate your analytical skills and your commitment to delivering high-quality results.
✨Engage with Their Core Values
Familiarise yourself with Slingco's core values and culture. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs. Discuss how you can contribute to their goal of creating innovative, high-quality products while ensuring a positive experience for both customers and employees. This connection can set you apart from other candidates.
