Operations Programme Manager

Lockheed Martin; Ampthill; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Lockheed Martin in Ampthill, Bedfordshire, invites an experienced Operations Programme Manager to lead programme integration with manufacturing and production operations. You will translate customer commitments into actionable production plans and balance capacity, cost, quality, and schedule to meet milestones.

Reporting to the Head of Operations, you will drive Lean and Six Sigma initiatives, manage cross-functional teams, and maintain security clearances while supporting growth in a complex

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary link between Programme Management and Production Operations and translate requirements into production plans.
• Deliver manufacturing activities safely, on time, within budget, and to required quality standards.
• Monitor and improve operational performance via KPIs such as OTD, yield, capacity utilisation and cost performance.
• Lead Lean and Six Sigma initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce cycle times.
• Develop and standardise processes and SOPs for new programme introductions and drive cross-functional collaboration.

Skills

MPS/MRP/ERP understanding

Budget & COGS analysis

MS Project/Jira

Cross-functional leadership

Data-driven decision making

Education

Engineering/Manufacturing/Supply Chain degree

Tools

MS Project

Jira

Job description

We’re seeking an Operations Programme Manager to join our team based in Ampthill, Bedfordshire.

The Operations Programme Manager is a key leadership role, responsible for aligning Programme Management objectives with Manufacturing and Production Operations capability. Reporting to the Head of Operations, the role acts as the primary interface between programme teams and production, ensuring customer and business commitments are translated into effective operational plans. The successful candidate will balance capacity, cost, quality, and schedule requirements to deliver programme milestones, drive operational performance, and support business growth within a complex manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Programme & Operations Integration

• Act as the primary link between Programme Management and Production Operations.
• Translate programme requirements, milestones, and delivery commitments into executable production plans.
• Ensure manufacturing constraints, resource requirements, and operational risks are incorporated into programme planning.
• Provide regular performance, risk, and recovery updates to programme stakeholders.
• Manage stakeholder engagement and escalation processes between operational and programme teams.

Operations Delivery & Performance

• Deliver manufacturing activities safely, on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
• Ensure appropriate resourcing, capability, processes, and tools are in place to meet programme demands.
• Monitor and improve operational performance through KPIs including On-Time Delivery (OTD), yield, capacity utilisation, and cost performance.
• Manage manufacturing risks, resource conflicts, and production bottlenecks across multiple programmes.
• Support business development activities through manufacturing plans, Basis of Estimates (BoEs), and capital investment planning.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead Lean and Six Sigma initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce cycle times.
• Develop and standardise operational processes and SOPs for new programme introductions.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration between Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, and Programme teams.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

The successful candidate must be able to achieve the appropriate level (SC) of security clearance. More details can be found here

Required Skills, Qualifications And Experience

Education & Experience

• Degree qualified in Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or a related discipline.
• Experience within manufacturing, production operations, programme management, or a similar operational leadership role.
• Proven ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams within a matrix organisation.

Technical & Operational Competencies

• Strong understanding of MPS, MRP, ERP systems, and capacity planning.
• Commercial and financial awareness, including manufacturing budgets, COGS, and variance analysis.
• Proficient in project and programme management tools such as MS Project, Jira, or equivalent.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate operational data into actionable insights.

Leadership & Behavioural Competencies

• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Ability to lead through influence and deliver results across organisational boundaries.
• Ability to obtain and maintain UK Security Clearance (SC).

Desired Skills

• Experience within Defence, Aerospace, or other highly regulated industries.
• PMP, APM, PRINCE2, or equivalent project/programme management qualification.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience within high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments.