Programme Manager in High Wycombe

Programme Manager in High Wycombe

High Wycombe Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the development and success of an innovative drone camera product.
  • Company: Fast-scaling defence-tech startup at the forefront of unmanned systems innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, stock options, and generous annual leave.
  • Why this job: Be the CEO of a groundbreaking product and drive real change in the drone industry.
  • Qualifications: Experience in product management and leading cross-functional teams.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic team with significant growth opportunities in a cutting-edge field.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

The company: We are a profitable, fast-scaling defence-tech startup - operating on the extreme edge of innovation in the evolving domain of unmanned systems / drones. Our world-class team of Engineers are delivering solutions deemed impossible by many, for some of the most complex and challenging problems in the Drones / UAS space. With strong revenue growth, a loyal customer base, and an ambitious scaling plan, we are entering an exciting new phase of growth — and this is a rare opportunity to join at the moment it matters most.

The role: The Programme Manager role is in essence the CEO of one of our most successful and innovative products - an advanced and unique camera & video compression unit for drones, with mass market potential. You'll wake up and go to bed thinking about the product. As the owner of the product's success, the Programme Manager reports directly to our Founder & CEO. The Programme Manager works from the customer backwards. They exist to answer and execute against:

  • Who are the customers? What are their needs?
  • What resources (time, money, people) does the team need to solve for them?
  • How will it go to market?
  • What will I then deliver to whom, when?
  • How will I scale to millions of pounds of sales?

What you will do:

  • Own the product end-to-end: product, programme, delivery and commercial success.
  • Define the product roadmap from customer need, operational feedback and company priorities.
  • Turn customer problems into clear requirements, priorities, timelines and delivery plans.
  • Lead cross-functional execution across engineering, operations, supply chain, test, sales and support.
  • Decide what gets built, by when, with what resources, and to what standard.
  • Work directly with customers and users to shape product-market fit, pricing, positioning and go-to-market.
  • Drive trials, fielding, iteration and scale-up from early adoption to meaningful revenue growth.
  • Track performance relentlessly: delivery, reliability, user impact, unit economics and sales conversion.
  • Build the team, operating rhythm and external partnerships needed to make it a category-defining product.

Essential skills/experience:

  • Proven experience owning and delivering a complex product or programme from concept to scaled deployment.
  • Strong product judgement: able to work from the customer backwards and make clear trade-offs on scope, time and cost.
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams and aligning engineers, operators, commercial teams and senior stakeholders.
  • Commercial instinct and execution ability: able to translate a great product into revenue, adoption and scale.
  • Strong grasp of hardware-enabled or technically complex products; able to engage credibly with engineers without needing to be the deepest technical specialist.
  • Excellent programme management: structured, organised, decisive, and able to drive momentum in ambiguity.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to simplify complex issues for customers and leadership.
  • High ownership, pace and resilience; comfortable acting as the de facto CEO of a product.
  • Willingness to spend significant time with customers, users and internal teams to get the product right.

"Nice to have" skills/experience:

  • Experience in drones, defence, robotics, edge devices, sensors, radios or other mission-critical hardware/software products.
  • Exposure to video, streaming, compression, computer vision or embedded systems.
  • Experience taking a product from early-stage adoption to repeatable sales growth.
  • Knowledge of IP radios or SDRs (software defined radios).

Compensation: Competitive annual salary, performance bonus, employee stock options, life insurance, private health insurance (family plan), 35 days annual leave including public holidays.

Programme Manager in High Wycombe employer: Stealth mode defence-tech startup

Join a dynamic and innovative defence-tech startup that is at the forefront of unmanned systems and drone technology. As a Programme Manager, you will thrive in a fast-paced environment that fosters creativity and collaboration, with ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. Enjoy competitive compensation, generous annual leave, and a supportive work culture that values your contributions and encourages you to take ownership of your projects.
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Contact Detail:

Stealth mode defence-tech startup Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Programme Manager in High Wycombe

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the defence-tech space. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Show your passion for drones and innovation! When you get the chance to chat with someone from the company, make sure to express your enthusiasm for their products and how you can contribute to their success. A genuine interest can set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by understanding the product inside and out. Research the company’s current projects and think about how your skills can help them achieve their goals. Being able to discuss specific ways you can drive product success will impress the hiring team.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our innovative team and ready to take on the challenge of being a Programme Manager.

We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager in High Wycombe

Product Management
Programme Management
Cross-Functional Team Leadership
Customer Engagement
Commercial Acumen
Technical Understanding of Hardware Products
Communication Skills
Analytical Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Project Roadmap Development
Revenue Growth Strategy
Adaptability in Ambiguity
Stakeholder Alignment
User-Centric Design

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for the Product: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the product shine through. Talk about why you’re excited about the advanced camera & video compression unit and how it can change the game in the drone space. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about what we’re building.

Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in programme management and product delivery. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver complex products. We love seeing how your past experiences align with our needs, so don’t hold back!

Be Clear and Concise: In your written application, clarity is key. Avoid jargon and keep your language straightforward. We appreciate candidates who can simplify complex issues, so make sure your application reflects that skill. Remember, you’re aiming to impress us with your communication skills right from the start!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and keen to join our team at this exciting time!

How to prepare for a job interview at Stealth mode defence-tech startup

✨Know the Product Inside Out

As a Programme Manager, you'll be the product's biggest advocate. Make sure you understand every detail of the advanced camera and video compression unit. Familiarise yourself with its features, benefits, and potential customer pain points. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your passion for the product.

✨Showcase Your Cross-Functional Leadership Skills

You'll need to lead diverse teams, so be ready to discuss your experience in aligning engineers, operations, and commercial teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed cross-functional projects in the past, highlighting your ability to drive momentum and make tough decisions under pressure.

✨Demonstrate Customer-Centric Thinking

The role requires a strong focus on customer needs. Be prepared to talk about how you've previously gathered customer feedback and turned it into actionable insights. Share specific instances where you’ve shaped a product based on user input, showing that you can think from the customer backwards.

✨Prepare for Technical Discussions

While you don’t need to be the deepest technical specialist, having a solid grasp of hardware-enabled products is crucial. Brush up on relevant technical concepts related to drones and video compression. This will help you engage credibly with engineers and show that you can bridge the gap between technical and commercial aspects.

Programme Manager in High Wycombe
Stealth mode defence-tech startup
Location: High Wycombe

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