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 work options, gym membership, and enhanced pension contributions.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and to shape the future of product development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while driving product innovation.
- 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. With sectors including oil & gas, civil engineering, aerospace, transport, utilities, marine/offshore and the military – there's no room for error. That's why we do everything with the utmost care and precision. We design and manufacture to the highest specifications and test to destruction. If our products don't meet and exceed the most stringent national and international standards, they're not good enough for our customers. At Slingco, our goal is to create innovative high-quality products that our customers can depend on, whilst providing a positive experience for our customers and our employees. Every aspect of our work, culture and commitment to innovation is driven by our core values.
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. Working closely with senior leadership, 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. The role 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. The position will play a key role in establishing and maintaining robust programme governance, prioritisation, resource planning and delivery disciplines within a fast‐paced and growing engineering organisation, ensuring alignment between strategic objectives and operational execution. The role requires a strong combination of technical understanding, programme leadership, commercial awareness and stakeholder management capability, with the ability to drive delivery through collaboration, influence and accountability across multiple functions and geographies.
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 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
- 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, 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 in Rossendale employer: Slingco
At Slingco, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave, enhanced pension contributions, and opportunities for professional growth within a supportive environment. Located in the heart of Lancashire, our head office provides a vibrant setting where you can contribute to high-quality product development while being part of a team that values precision and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Director - Product Development in Rossendale
✨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 in Rossendale
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in product development and programme management. We want to see how your skills align with our needs at Slingco!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Programme Director, you'll need strong leadership abilities. Use your application to demonstrate past experiences where you've successfully led teams or projects, especially in fast-paced environments.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your points are easy to understand and directly related to the role you're applying for.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the Programme Director position at Slingco!
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
As a Programme Director, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed cross-functional teams in the past. Highlight your ability to influence stakeholders and drive collaboration across departments, as this is crucial for the role.
✨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 to risk management led to successful outcomes, ensuring you align your experiences with the company's commitment to quality.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with thoughtful questions about Slingco's strategic objectives and how the Programme Director role fits into their vision. This not only shows your genuine interest in the company but also gives you a chance to assess if it's the right fit for you.
