Automation & Controls Program Manager

GE Vernova; Rugby; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Total rewards package

Job summary

GE Vernova in the United Kingdom is seeking an Automation & Controls Program Manager within our Power Conversion team to lead complex, multi-disciplinary programs from concept to deployment. You will own timelines, budgets, risk management, and cross-functional collaboration across Product Management, Sourcing, Manufacturing, and Sales to deliver world-class automation solutions.

The role emphasizes engineering excellence, PM certification, and experience in R&D within electrical or industrial

Qualifications

• Substantial experience managing R&D programs in electrical/electronics/industrial control environments.
• Proficiency in formal project management methodologies and tools (Smartsheet, MS Project, and JIRA/Confluence).
• Strong risk, safety, and lean management expertise.
• Ability to bridge technical and commercial conversations with stakeholders.
• Engineering degree and professional PM certification (PMP or Prince2) valued.

Responsibilities

• Lead full development lifecycle of automation and control programs using agile methods.
• Coordinate requirements, software development, and quality control to deliver seamless products.
• Own program timelines, budgets, and resource planning; manage risks and design reviews.
• Collaborate across Product Management, Sourcing, Manufacturing and Sales worldwide.
• Drive continuous improvement to reduce defects and improve service and quality.

Skills

Program management

Agile

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Risk & quality management

Communication

Cybersecurity awareness

Education

Engineering degree

PMP/Prince2 certification

Tools

Smartsheet

MS Project

JIRA

Confluence

Job description

Job Description Summary

About the Role Are you ready to shape the future of electrification?

As an Automation & Controls Program Manager within our Power Conversion team, you will be at the heart of delivering cutting-edge technology that powers industries and utilities worldwide. You will lead complex, multi-disciplinary programs from concept to deployment, ensuring our automation and control solutions meet the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and performance.
This is a key role within a global, matrixed environment where your leadership will bridge the gap between design, engineering, and product strategy. You will drive innovation, manage risks, and translate ambitious visions into tangible, world-class products.

Job Description

What you will do

• Lead with Impact: You will guide multi-disciplinary teams through the full development lifecycle, using agile methods to keep projects on track and aligned with customer needs.
• Coordinate Complexity: By managing requirements definition, software development, and quality control, you will ensure seamless product delivery.
• Drive Strategy: You will take full ownership of program timelines, budgets, and resource planning. You will proactively manage risks, resolve technical bottlenecks, and lead design reviews to ensure successful milestones.
• Collaborate Globally: You will work across departmental lines, engaging with Product Management, Sourcing, Manufacturing, and Sales, to ensure that every product we launch delivers value and drives revenue.
• Champion Continuous Improvement: You will foster a culture of excellence, using data and lessons learned to refine our processes, reduce defects, and improve service and quality.

Who you are:

You are a collaborative professional who thrives in technical environments and excels at keeping teams focused on clear goals. You communicate with clarity and influence, and you enjoy navigating the balance between long-term strategy and daily execution.

• Essential Expertise: You bring substantial experience in managing R&D programs, ideally within electrical, electronics, or industrial control systems environments.
• Program Leadership: You are proficient in formal project management methodologies and tools (such as Smartsheet, MS Project, and JIRA/Confluence) to manage timelines, budgets, and cross-functional tasks.
• Risk & Quality: You have a solid understanding of risk, safety, and lean management principles.
• Communication: You possess the ability to bridge technical and commercial conversations, ensuring all stakeholders are updated and aligned.
• Qualifications: You hold a relevant degree in Engineering or have gained equivalent, significant experience in a professional engineering setting. A professional project management certification (e.g., PMP, Prince2) is highly valued.

It is a bonus if you have experience with cyber security practices, secure development lifecycles, or industrial communication protocols (such as Ethernet, LANs, and TCP/IP), but we encourage you to apply even if your experience looks a little different.

You can expect from us:

• Impactful Work: Opportunity to lead programs that solve real-world energy and automation challenges.
• Growth: A global, collaborative team where your contribution is visible and valued.
• Flexible Working: We understand that work-life balance looks different for everyone. We are committed to discussing flexible working arrangements.
• Total Rewards: An attractive compensation package and a flexible benefits program that you can tailor to your personal needs.

Join us and help us electrify the world...

Additional Information

Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes