Senior Programme Manager - Aircraft Manufacturing Engineering in Bristol

Overview

At Vertical Aerospace, we are pioneering the way for electric aviation. The Valo, our eVTOL (electric, vertical, take-off and landing), 'zero emissions' aircraft will set a new safety standard for how we will navigate the sky. We won’t realise our mission following the same legacy processes and traditions our predecessors followed; instead, we want to 'redefine' aerospace best practices. We are growing quickly from a prototype business to a scaling SME, and the next few years will be critical to our success and delivering on our ambitious goals. Valo is targeting airliner-level safety certification in 2028 ahead of entering service with our airline and operator customers.

What to expect

As an SPM, you’ll bring clarity, technical leadership and relentless execution to a system-level discipline. You will be jointly accountable (with the Head of Aircraft ME) for delivering the manufacturing engineering programme plan — driving industrialisation, technical readiness and readiness for certified build execution across all aircraft systems. You’ll integrate teams, manage dependencies, shape regulatory and certification readiness, and connect manufacturing engineering execution to the wider programme strategy.

What you will do

• Translate aircraft programme objectives into actionable, integrated system deliverables.
• Build and maintain the system Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) with dependencies and manufacturing need dates.
• Ensure plans are aligned to baselines, governance and approval requirements.
• Support system-level make-vs-buy decisions with Procurement and drive supplier selection.
• Monitor progress, escalate risks and manage dependencies proactively.

Budget & Resource Management

• Define and own the system budget in partnership with Finance.
• Track and consolidate spend across commodities, resolving variances.
• Coordinate resources across engineering, operations and enabling functions.

Supplier Management

• Lead trade studies and sourcing strategy at system-level.
• Support contract negotiation and scope definition with suppliers.
• Act as senior programme execution contact for key suppliers post-contract.
• Partner with Supplier Category Managers to measure performance and manage contractual changes.

Risk & Compliance

• Own the system-wide risk and issue register, driving proactive mitigation.
• Lead planning and execution for certification compliance across manufacturing commodities.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Align ME deliverables with design, procurement, production, quality, finance and operations.
• Lead, coach and empower Programme Managers across the system.
• Resolve cross-functional challenges and interface effectively with senior leadership.
• Partner closely with the VP Programme to integrate performance, cost and schedule outcomes.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Define and track system KPIs (cost, schedule, quality, maturity, risk).
• Provide clear, concise reporting on status, risks and decisions required.
• Ensure robust communication and escalation across teams.

Governance & Administration

• Organise and lead system-level programme reviews and cross-functional coordination meetings.
• Oversee commodity-level reviews to ensure alignment and accountability.
• Drive action closure and capture lessons learned for continuous improvement.

What you’ll bring

• Extensive experience in programme or engineering management within aerospace or a high-technology environment.
• Proven track record leading complex systems through development, certification and entry into service.
• Strong knowledge of aerospace lifecycles, industrialisation processes and quality/certification requirements.
• Experience managing suppliers and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Proficiency with programme management tools such as MS Project, PLM and ERP systems.
• Exceptional planning, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

What can you expect from us?

We’re on a mission. Where others see limits, we see opportunity, and we work at pace. Working at Vertical isn’t your average role but for those seeking a challenge, a flexible, supportive organisation and an incredible team; working here is an opportunity to do the best work of your career. Our approach promotes ingenuity and courage, while our environment builds success through diligence in safety and being open in the way we work. The only way we’re going to assure the next chapter of aviation history is by working as a team, relentlessly, towards our goal.

Our Benefits

• 26 days holiday, plus bank holiday
• 5 extra days per year to buy (or sell)
• 5 extra days holiday when you get married or enter a civil partnership
• Additional 4% of your salary to spend on extra benefits
• Award-winning digital health and wellbeing service (Help@Hand)
• Company performance based bonus - rewarding company and individual performance
• Company Share Scheme - open to every Vertical employee
• Company Pension Scheme - 5% and we match it
• Breakfast on us, every day

We may just be the hardest job you’ve ever had, but we’re confident it will be the most rewarding. Join the team today and help us shape the future of Advanced Air Mobility.

Disclaimer Statement

We encourage you to apply even if you may not have all the experience listed in the advert. We recognise that talent comes in various forms and we are committed to providing opportunities that create an environment of growth, diversity, and inclusion for everyone. As part of our desire to review and make our processes fair, we may ask you questions related to these aspects during the application process. For more information on how we will use your data, see our Legal section.