Head of Programmes

LORD SEARCH & SELECTION; Greater London; On-site; GBP 63,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable recruitment agency is seeking a Head of Programmes in Cheltenham to lead projects in aerospace and defence. This role involves managing a team to ensure timely and budget-compliant delivery across engineering programmes. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in complex, high-value projects, excellent leadership skills, and familiarity with Defence standards. With a competitive salary of up to £75,000 and a commitment to technical excellence, this is a pivotal opportunity to shape the future of aerospace technology.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• Proven track record of delivering high-value engineering programmes.
• Experience in aerospace, defence or safety-critical sectors.
• Familiar with MoD/Defence standards and regulated industry frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Own the full programme lifecycle from bid to closure.
• Lead and develop a high-performing programme management function.
• Drive delivery performance across all programmes.

Skills

Leadership in programme delivery

Stakeholder management

Project management methodologies

Risk mitigation strategies

Education

Degree in engineering or project management

Tools

MSP

APM

Prince2

Job description

Head of Programmes

Aerospace & Defence

Location - Cheltenham

Up to £75,000 pa + Competitive Package + Benefits

Leading projects and programmes across world class manufacturing into the high precision advanced engineering sectors

Are you a proven leader in programme delivery with a background in complex, high-value engineering projects? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, high-performance environment where safety and precision are paramount?

Our client is a well-established, innovative manufacturer of components and systems for a wide range of safety-critical and high-performance applications within the aerospace and defence sector. With a proud heritage and a strong order book, the business is entering an exciting new phase of growth and transformation - and is now seeking a Head of Programmes to lead and optimise the delivery of strategic programmes across the growing organisation.

The Role

As a part of an experienced and capable SLT reporting to the Group COO, the Head of Programmes will be responsible for the successful execution of multiple concurrent programmes - ensuring they are delivered on time, to budget, and in line with stringent quality and regulatory requirements.

You will lead a team of project and programme managers, working closely with Engineering, Operations, Commercial, and Quality functions to ensure alignment and visibility across the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the full programme lifecycle - from bid, planning and scheduling through to delivery, customer acceptance, and closure.
• Lead and develop a high-performing programme management function.
• Drive delivery performance across all programmes using appropriate tools, governance, and KPIs.
• Act as the primary point of contact for key customers on programme matters.
• Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies to maintain programme stability and customer confidence.
• Champion continuous improvement across project delivery processes.

The person

• Proven track record of delivering complex, high-value engineering or manufacturing programmes in aerospace, defence, or similar safety-critical sectors.
• Strong leadership experience, with the ability to manage and motivate cross-functional teams.
• Commercially astute, with excellent stakeholder management skills.
• Familiar with MoD / Defence standards, AS9100, ISO9001 or other regulated industry frameworks.
• Strong grasp of project management methodologies and tools (e.g., MSP, APM, Prince2, or equivalent).
• A degree in engineering, project management or a related discipline is preferred.

Why Apply?

Join a trusted name in the aerospace and defence sector with a reputation for technical excellence.

Play a pivotal role in shaping the future delivery capability of the business where you will enjoy a collaborative, forward-thinking culture with a focus on quality, innovation, and performance.

The role comes with a competitive salary and benefits, with opportunities for future professional and career development.

Apply today to lead critical programmes that help shape the future of aerospace and defence technology.

This role is being managed exclusively by Lord Search & Selection so to apply in confidence and to initiate an informal discussion, please submit a fully CV online detailing your current remuneration package and availability quoting job reference 10092.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Plant
• Manufacturing
• Engineering
• Industrial
• Paint
• CNC
• Machining
• Fabrication
• Metals
• Production
• Operations