Aerospace Programme Manager - Actuation & Supplier Relations

Thompson Aero Seating; Banbridge; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

33 days leave

Health cash plan

Pension scheme

Cycle to Work

Job summary

Thompson Aero Seating seeks a Programme Manager to lead the TAS engagement with actuation suppliers and act as the primary contact to ensure consistent ways of working and timely delivery of high-quality products.

You will manage supplier relationships, facilitate decisions, and coordinate cross-functional teams to meet Customer and OEM requirements while tracking baselines and KPIs. Occasional international travel is required to France-based PGA and other suppliers.

Qualifications

• Proven project/programme management experience.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop the relationship with Actuation suppliers and TAS stakeholders to enhance programme success.
• Enable timely communication between TAS and Actuation suppliers to ensure customer requirements are met.
• Build cross-functional relationships within TAS and with Actuation suppliers for effective collaboration.
• Ensure Customer and OEM needs are met by confirming a common understanding of Programme Baselines.
• Implement conflict resolution while managing programme priorities.
• React to emergent issues and risks with a solution-based approach using escalation when needed.
• Work to internal KPIs to help the business meet strategic goals.
• Travel regularly to Actuation supplier facilities for in-person meetings (PGA in France).
• Use established Programme Management tools (Change Management, Risk/Opportunity Management, Programme Action Tracker, Lessons Learnt, Top level scheduling).

Skills

Customer management

Negotiation

Decision-making

Organisational skills

Communication

Multi-tasking

Education

Degree in Engineering/Science/Business

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The post holder will lead the TAS engagement with our actuation suppliers, on TAS contracts with some of the world's leading airlines. Acting as the primary point of contact, they will enable a consistency to the ways of working and communication between us. 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 Actuation suppliers and all TAS stakeholders to enhance chances of success for the programme as well as for future business
• Enable timely communication between TAS and Actuation suppliers, facilitating effective decision making to ensure successful realisation of customer requirements
• Build and maintain cross functional relationships within TAS and Actuation suppliers, leading to effective collaborative working
• Ensure Customer and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) needs are met by confirming a common understanding of defined Programme Baselines
• Implement effective conflict resolution while managing programme priorities
• 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 regular travel to Actuation supplier facilities for in person meetings. Our primary actuation supplier being PGA based in France.
• 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
  

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
• £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 - Corporate Member
• Wellbeing Initiatives
• Employee Recognition scheme
• 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 years’ experience in a project/programme management role
• Educated to degree level, ideally educated in Engineering, Science, Business or a related subject
• Experience working in a manufacturing and/or aerospace environment
• Basic understanding of Material Requirements Planning (MRP) and Master Production Schedules (MPS)
• Working knowledge of French and German with the ability to participate in professional conversations and liaise with French-speaking customers, suppliers, or colleagues
• Knowledge of aircraft seat actuation systems and the development, integration, and certification of associated software solutions
  
  

We reserve the right to enhance criteria on shortlisting.

Thompson Aero Seating is an Equal Opportunities employer.

The closing date for applications is the 18th October 2026 at 17:00.

For further infomation contact [e-mail]