Head of Programmes

Malloy Aeronautics; Maidenhead; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Alternate Fridays off

Pension contributions

Bonus scheme

Job summary

Malloy Aeronautics is seeking a Head of Programmes to plan, execute, and deliver multi‑discipline aerospace programmes from R&D to production. You will own the programmes, coordinate across departments, manage budgets, risks, and customer expectations, and drive best practices in governance and reporting.

The role requires leadership of project managers, escalation for delivery performance, and collaboration with finance and engineering to ensure successful bids and in‑service support across

Qualifications

• Project/Programme/Portfolio management background in Aerospace/Defence or related industry.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in a matrix organisation.
• Understanding how Functions integrate to deliver programmes on time and cost.

Responsibilities

• Oversee planning, execution, and closing of projects ensuring criteria are met.
• Lead and scale the Programme Management function with standards and templates.
• Governance, reporting, risks, and stakeholder communications across programmes.

Skills

Programme management

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Financial forecasting

Risk management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

APMQ qualification

PM/Bachelor's degree

MBA or MSc in Programme Management

Job description

Join the Team Building the Future of Flight

Are you looking for an opportunity to make a real impact, take on exciting challenges, and be part of a team that’s shaping the future of aviation?

At Malloy Aeronautics, you’ll play a key role in helping us develop innovative technology that’s changing the way the world moves.

Who are we?

We’re on a mission to revolutionise unmanned flight.

At Malloy Aeronautics, we develop advanced heavy-lift UAVs for both defence and commercial applications.

What sets us apart is our in-house approach. From design and engineering to manufacturing and testing, the majority of our work happens under one roof in Berkshire, allowing us to innovate quickly, maintain exceptional quality, and bring ideas to life faster.

For our teams, that means hands‑on involvement, real ownership, and the opportunity to help shape the future of aviation.

What are we looking for?

The Head of Programmes is responsible for the planning, execution, and delivery of Malloy Aeronautics programmes, working closely with engineering on R&D and Manufacturing for Rate Production programmes. This role involves owning each of the programmes and coordinating across various departments to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.

The Head of Programmes will lead project management practices, drive innovation, and manage stakeholder relationships to achieve the company’s objectives, overseeing the definition, planning, leadership, and delivery of multiple complex programmes across their entire lifecycle, including campaigns, new business proposals, product design and development, production, contract bidding, and in-service support acting as a senior escalation for the programme’s performance and risks.

The role will also involve Customer facing activities ensuring customers are well informed and managed during the delivery phase of projects

Ability to hold Security Clearance – 5 years residence in the UK

What you’ll being doing (but not limited too):

Programme Oversight: Oversee the planning, execution, and closing of projects, ensuring they meet the predefined criteria for success. This includes managing resources, timelines, and budgets.

• Lead, develop, and scale the Programme Management function, establishing standards, processes, and templates to support future organisational growth

Programme Governance & Reporting: Oversee and manage the governance structure of programs, ensuring alignment with organisational standards and strategic objectives. Responsible for the accurate and timely reporting of programme status, risks, and achievements to stakeholders.

• This includes preparing and presenting clear, concise reports on programme performance to team members, senior leadership, and clients.
• Ensure all projects adhere to industry standards and regulations, maintaining high quality and safety standards.

IBP Delivery: Share responsibility for the delivery of the Integrated Business Planning process, facilitating cross‑functional collaboration to align financial, operational, and strategic plans across the organisation.

Sales and Ops Planning: Contribute to the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process, balancing demand and supply to optimise inventory levels, ensure customer satisfaction, and support the company’s financial goals.

Team Leadership: Lead and mentor project managers and other team members, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement in project delivery. Inspire and influence cross‑functional teams within a matrix organisation to meet the success criteria for your projects.

• Act as the senior escalation authority for delivery performance, risk, and customer commitments, ensuring timely resolution and governance discipline

Risk Management: Proactively manage risks and opportunities, collaborating with teams to identify and implement mitigation and enhancement strategies in a timely manner.

Stakeholder Management: Act as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and managing expectations.

Bid Preparation: Co‑lead the preparation of bids and proposals for new projects, ensuring they meet client requirements and highlight the company’s strengths in heavy‑lift drone applications. This involves coordinating with technical, financial, and operational teams to develop compelling and competitive bids.

Innovation and Improvement: Drive innovation in heavy‑lift drone applications and operations, continuously seeking ways to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Financial Management: Develop and manage the programme’s budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources and financial sustainability working together with the Head of Finance. Ownership of consolidated programme portfolio financial performance including revenue and margin.

Essential Skills and Experiences:

Project / Programme / Portfolio management background in Aerospace, Defence, or a related industry

Lead, inspire, and influence cross‑functional teams within a matrix organisation to meet the success criteria for your projects

Comprehensive understanding of how all Functions integrate to deliver the programme on time and cost

Understanding of other competitors’ products and USP’s to influence the development of the business

Experienced leader with knowledge and capability in Project Management, Business delivery/ execution, and engineering early lifecycle.

Experience in leading and managing complex Programmes from initiation to closure phase of the project life cycle.

Occasional travel to various sites and global locations may be required on an ad‑hoc basis

Commercial awareness including bid strategy, margin and cost control

Experience operating within structured programme governance and lifecycle frameworks (e.g LCM)

Desired Skills and Experiences

Strong collaborator with the ability to interact with the business to develop effective working relationships and be flexible in a changing environment

Proactive, forward thinker with the ability to tailor processes where appropriate

Proven track record of programme delivery

Ability to establish a control environment within a growing business

Strong financial forecasting and performance management capability

Project Management Degree, MBA or MSc in Programme Management desirable

Significant experience of running complex programmes in fast‑moving R&D and rate production environments.

Relevant Engineering Degree with Programme Engineering management experience also acceptable

APMQ qualification required, Chartered PM status desirable (PMI equivalents are acceptable)

LCP3 desirable

Benefits you may be eligible for:

• Alternate Fridays off with our 9-day fortnight
• BAE Systems Share Incentive Plan
• 5% employer pension contribution
• Annual collective incentive bonus scheme
• Enhanced family leave with 6 months’ full-pay maternity leave and 4 weeks’ full-pay paternity leave
• 20 days’ annual leave, increasing with service, plus a 3-day Christmas shutdown
• Company sick pay
• Healthcare Cash Plan with Virtual GP access, dental and optical support, plus free cover for dependent children up to age 24
• Mental health and wellbeing support available 24/7
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Proud supporter of the Armed Forces through our Bronze Armed Forces Covenant commitment.

Malloy Aeronautics employees will be subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors including your nationality, any previous nationalities you have held, and your place of birth may limit those roles you can perform for the organisation.

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

Please be aware that many roles at Malloy Aeronautics are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security