Head of Programmes

Nu Quantum Ltd.; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days annual leave

On-site gym

Private medical and dental

Cycle scheme

Job summary

Nu Quantum Ltd. in Cambridge seeks a Head of Programmes to own the global technology programme portfolio from R&D to customer engagements.

You will report to the VP of Engineering and lead the PMO, aligning roadmaps with business goals and collaborating with Engineering, Business Development, Marketing and Finance to ensure programmes are properly scoped, resourced and funded. You will drive delivery across multiple sites, oversee governance and reporting to SLT and the Board, and mentor

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience with SLT and C-suite.
• Experience delivering complex technical programmes.
• Proven track record with external customers/partners.
• Experience scaling a programme management function.
• Experience across multiple sites, ideally international.
• Expertise in risk, dependencies and stakeholder communication at board level.

Responsibilities

• Own the global programme portfolio, including technology development, product roadmap and customer programmes.
• Set priorities across programmes with department heads and PMO; manage budget and resources.
• Report portfolio status and risks to SLT and the Board; maintain governance.
• Define programme scope, milestones and success criteria with stakeholders.
• Scale delivery as the company grows; set up fit-for-purpose PMO in new locations.
• Lead and develop the PMO; mentor programme managers; standardise documentation and communication.

Skills

Senior programme leadership

Multidisciplinary engineering

External customers/partners

Scaling programme management

International sites

Risk & stakeholder mgmt

Communication

Delivery-focused

Fast-paced start-up

Education

Engineering/Physics/CS degree

Job description

Head of Programmes

Join Nu Quantum - Shaping the Future of Technology

Nu Quantum is at the forefront of quantum computing and advanced technology, driven by innovation, diversity, and a commitment to excellence. We're creating an environment where brilliant minds from all backgrounds collaborate to push the boundaries of what's possible.

Founded to commercialise research generated over the last decade at the Cavendish Laboratory, Nu Quantum is on a mission to shape the future of quantum information systems.

We're working on exciting technology that will improve the utility and accelerate the time-to-market of quantum computing systems. We integrate novel quantum photonic technology to form an efficient and scalable quantum networking infrastructure in partnership with world-leading companies and academic groups.

The Role

Nu Quantum is growing quickly. Over the next few years we will run more technology programmes, with more commercial customers and partners, in the UK and internationally. We are hiring a Head of Programmes to take senior ownership of that portfolio.

You will be accountable for the delivery of all Nu Quantum programmes, from internal R&D and product development to customer and partner engagements. Reporting to the VP of Engineering, you will be the company’s senior voice and representative on delivery to the Senior Leadership Team, the Board, and our customers and partners.

Our Programme Management Office (PMO), an established team with its own lead, will report to you. You will also work closely with Business Development, Marketing and Product Management to turn commercial opportunities into programmes we can deliver, and with Engineering, Research, Talent and Finance to make sure those programmes are properly scoped, resourced and funded.

You will bring significant experience delivering complex technical programmes in fast-moving environments, and you are comfortable working at pace on both strategic and operational levels.

What you'll do

Own the global programme portfolio

• Take accountability for delivery across the full portfolio: technology development programmes, the product roadmap, customer and partner programmes, and internal change projects.
• Set priorities across programmes and work with Department Heads and the PMO to resolve competing demands on people, budget and time.
• Report portfolio status, risks and dependencies to the Senior Leadership Team and the Board.
• Hold budgetary oversight for programmes.

Lead delivery for customers and partners

• Act as the senior delivery contact for commercial customers and collaboration partners.
• Work with Business Development, Marketing and Product to scope new engagements, so that what we commit to can be delivered.
• Define programme scope, milestones and success criteria with stakeholders across the business and externally.

Scale delivery as the company grows

• Oversee Nu Quantum’s programmes of work globally as we expand internationally, including setting up "fit-for-purpose" programme management in new locations.
• Keep technical roadmaps, hiring plans and company objectives aligned.
• Plan the programme management capacity the portfolio needs as it grows.

Lead and develop the PMO

• Support the PMO Group Lead to mentor and support the Programme and Project Managers in the team.
• Senior responsibility for the programme governance, processes and tools the PMO uses.
• Set the standard for clear documentation and structured communication across programmes.
• Embody our company values and foster a collaborative, transparent and delivery-focused working environment.

Your skills, qualifications and experience:

• Experience in a senior programme leadership role (Head of Programmes, Programme Director or similar), working directly with a Senior Leadership Team and C-suite.
• Significant experience leading complex technical programmes in a multidisciplinary engineering or R&D environment.
• Experience delivering programmes for external customers or partners, including managing commitments, milestones and senior relationships.
• Proven experience building or scaling a programme management function, including managing other managers/leaders.
• Experience running programmes across more than one site, ideally internationally.
• Expert in managing programme risks, dependencies and stakeholder communication at senior and board level, both internally and externally.
• A degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science or another relevant technical discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with technical and non-technical teams.
• A pragmatic, delivery-focused approach, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-moving start-up where priorities evolve.

Desirable skills and experience (not required, but beneficial):

• A postgraduate qualification (MSc or PhD) in a technical field or in engineering or project management.
• A formal programme or project management certification (for example MSP, PRINCE2, PMP or APM) or real world experience employing these skills.
• Experience working in quantum technologies, photonics, semiconductors, convergent technology or other deep-tech industries.
• Familiarity with product development lifecycles for advanced hardware based on academic research.

Why Work with Us?

At Nu Quantum, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where people of all identities, orientations, backgrounds, and experiences are empowered. We value diverse perspectives as a source of creativity and innovation and encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented and marginalised communities. Joining Nu Quantum means joining a team where you can grow professionally and be part of an inspiring mission to shape the future of technology.

Benefits

• Refreshments, including fruit and beverages, are available in the office.
• Flexible working options
• 28 days annual leave, inclusive of a 3-day company shutdown period + UK Bank Holidays
• Option to purchase up to 5 days holiday per year
• Access to the Cambridge Botanical Gardens
• On-site gym membership
• Cycle scheme
• Private Medical and Dental Cover (With Vitality and Bupa)
• Enhanced paid family leave policies
• Generous Employee Referral Scheme
• 1 month paid Sabbatical after 4 years of service
• Group Life Assurance (4 x salary)