Design Programme Lead

Job Title: Design Programme Lead

Location: Gaydon

Employment Type: Contract, Inside IR35

Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Design Programme Lead (DPL) to join the Vehicle Design Programme Management team within the Creative Chapter. Acting as the ‘creative enabler’, you will be responsible for driving the delivery of the Design Vision from concept through to production with efficiency, clarity, and alignment to both creative intent and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Drive and enable the Vehicle Design team to deliver the creative vision effectively and efficiently.
2. Manage and lead all non-creative programme activities across core, SV, Accessories and Bespoke programmes.
3. Act as a key point of contact between Vehicle Design and wider enterprise teams, including Product Engineering and Commercial.
4. Ensure alignment and collaboration across stakeholders, managing programme content, timing, and gateway deliverables.
5. Monitor and communicate progress through clear metrics and reporting, including changes to programme content.
6. Identify, manage, and resolve risks, issues, and impediments quickly to minimise downstream impact.
7. Develop and communicate short- and long-term programme plans, in line with departmental priorities.
8. Ensure consistent delivery against generic programme timings, escalating risks where necessary.
9. Resource planning and escalation of constraints to ensure gateway readiness.
10. Guide creative teams on asset requirements based on programme objectives, budget, and purpose.
11. Promote and apply Agile ways of working, leading Agile events, and using tools such as JIRA.
12. Champion process improvement initiatives and facilitate lessons learned across the team.

Required Skills & Experience:

1. Proven experience in project/programme management in a Design Studio or creative development environment.
2. Excellent planning, monitoring, and risk/issue resolution skills.
3. Strong collaborator with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
4. Product development knowledge with the ability to prioritise and influence.
5. Agile working knowledge with practical experience using JIRA.
6. Experience managing cost, timing, and resource across complex cross-functional projects.
7. Self-starter with a proactive approach and growth mindset.
8. Prior experience acting as Scrum Master is desirable.

Education & Tools:

1. A formal project management qualification or relevant academic background.
2. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with project tracking tools (e.g. JIRA).
3. Familiarity with budgeting and resource allocation tools.