Program Manager in Reading

Hybrid working arrangement: 3 days per week on site. Position available in Reading or Glasgow.

This is a senior opportunity to lead the delivery of complex, high-value programmes within a dynamic and technically advanced environment. As a Programme Manager, you will work closely with the Programme Director to ensure successful delivery across some of the organisation’s most critical programmes. You will bring strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, and delivery expertise to manage performance against time, cost, and quality objectives, ensuring customer satisfaction and sustainable business success.

What this role has to offer:

• The opportunity to lead large, complex programmes with significant business impact
• Exposure to senior stakeholders and customers across UK and international environments
• A leadership role overseeing multidisciplinary teams across engineering, finance, and operations
• The chance to drive programme performance, continuous improvement, and delivery excellence
• Involvement in shaping future opportunities and contributing to long-term business growth

Core Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package, which includes:
• Performance-related bonus
• Car cash allowance
• Half day every Friday
• 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) plus opportunity to buy up to 40 hours/year (pro rata)
• 24 hours volunteering paid for
• Private healthcare for couples
• Pension scheme
• Life cover
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app
• Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers
• Gym membership discounts

Main Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary programme team to ensure delivery against schedule, cost, and performance targets
• Manage programme financials, including budget control, margin improvement, and timely invoicing
• Establish and maintain robust governance, reporting, and KPI frameworks for programme performance
• Identify and manage risks and opportunities to maintain delivery confidence and programme outcomes
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders

Ideal Experience & Skills:

• Proven experience managing large, complex programmes within engineering, manufacturing, or industrial environments
• Strong leadership capability, with experience managing and developing high-performing teams
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, including customer and supplier engagement at senior levels
• Strong financial and commercial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and performance management
• Expertise in programme governance, risk management, and project controls within complex environments

Security Clearance Requirement:

Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires Security Clearance (SC). It would be advantageous if currently held; however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.