At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-profile programmes and collaborate with top airlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Thompson Aero Seating, a leader in aerospace innovation and customer relations.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, annual bonus, 33 days leave, and flexible working hours.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the aerospace industry while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Opportunities for international travel and professional development await you.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
The post holder will be responsible for leading high profile programmes, acting as the first point of contact with some of the world's leading airlines. As a Programme Manager at TAS, you will work in a fast-paced environment focused on the delivery of high quality products on time and within budget.
Responsibilities
- Manage and develop the relationship with the Customer and all stakeholders to enhance chances of success for the programme as well as for future business.
- Lead and develop an Integrated Project Team (IPT) from programme award through to delivery, facilitating effective decision making to ensure successful realisation of customer requirements.
- Build and maintain cross functional relationships within TAS, leading to effective collaborative working.
- Ensuring Customer and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) needs are met by working to a defined Programme Baseline Specification.
- Facilitate and host in-person milestone meetings with Customers and OEMs.
- Set up and manage internal and external meetings, virtual and in-person, ensuring critical information is logged and distributed and decisions are made on time to support the programme schedule.
- Implement effective conflict resolution while managing programme priorities.
- Manage programme Non-Recurring Cost (NRC) payments upon completion of programme milestones and also Recurring Cost (RC) budgets.
- Be able to react to emergent issues and risks with a solution-based approach, using the escalation process when needed.
- Work to internal Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), helping the business meet its strategic goals.
- Be willing and able for international travel to support Customer and OEM in-person meetings.
- Use established Programme Management tools to successfully deliver the agreed Customer & OEM requirements, such as: Change Management, Risk/Opportunity Management, Programme Action Tracker, Lessons Learnt reviews, Top level scheduling, Profit & Loss reviews.
Reward
- Competitive salary
- Annual bonus (linked to company performance)
- 33 days annual leave (Increase after 5 years' service)
- 37.5 hours per week
- Flexi time working
- Β£5,000 employee referral bonus
- Health cash plan
- Contributory Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme
- Holiday Purchase Scheme - Salary Sacrifice
- Electric Car Scheme - Salary Sacrifice
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Life Assurance Scheme at x4 gross salary
- Competitive enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
- IVF & Assisted Conception Policy
- Women in Business Membership
- Wellbeing Initiatives
- Employee Recognition scheme
- Long Service Awards
- Local charity/sponsorship activities
- Dedicated employee parking
- Discounted Gym membership
- Learning and development opportunities
- Career progression
Requirements
Essential
- Relevant project/programme management or equivalent experience
- Strong, proven skills in customer management, teamwork, negotiations and decision-making
- Ability to multi-task and operate in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
- Excellent organisational skills
- Excellent internal and external communication and presentation skills
- Ability to take initiative and work with minimum supervision
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office
Desirable
- 5 yearsβ experience in a project/programme management role
- Experienced in budgeting and Profit & Loss management
- Experience working in a manufacturing and/or aerospace environment
- Basic understanding of Material Requirements Planning (MRP) and Master Production Schedules (MPS)
- Educated to degree level, ideally educated in Engineering, Science, Business or a related subject
- A formal Programme Management qualification from bodies such as PRINCE2, APM
We reserve the right to enhance criteria on shortlisting. Thompson Aero Seating is an Equal Opportunities employer. The closing date for applications is the 15th February 2026. For further information contact careers@thompsonaero.com
Programme Manager employer: Thompson Aero
Contact Detail:
Thompson Aero Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Programme Manager role.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its projects, especially in the aerospace sector. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs and how you can manage customer relationships effectively.
β¨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your project management prowess. Talk about how you've handled budgets, led teams, and resolved conflicts to keep projects on track.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Programme Manager role. Highlight your project management experience and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can lead high-profile programmes and manage customer relationships!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this fast-paced environment. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed projects and built relationships with stakeholders in the past.
Showcase Your Skills: Donβt forget to showcase your organisational and communication skills in your application. Weβre looking for someone who can multi-task and make decisions under pressure, so give us examples that demonstrate these abilities!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you donβt miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thompson Aero
β¨Know Your Programmes
Before the interview, dive deep into the programmes youβll be managing. Understand the specifics of how they align with customer needs and the overall goals of the company. This will show your potential employer that you're not just familiar with the role but genuinely invested in their success.
β¨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed relationships with customers and stakeholders in the past. Highlight your negotiation skills and decision-making processes. This is crucial for a Programme Manager, so make sure to illustrate your ability to enhance collaboration and resolve conflicts effectively.
β¨Demonstrate Organisational Prowess
In a fast-paced environment, organisation is key. Be ready to discuss how you prioritise tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Bring up any tools or methodologies you use, like programme action trackers or risk management strategies, to showcase your structured approach.
β¨Be Ready for Real-World Scenarios
Expect situational questions that test your problem-solving abilities. Think about past challenges you've faced in project management and how you overcame them. This will help demonstrate your proactive mindset and readiness to tackle emergent issues head-on.