Programme Manager

MacTaggart Scott; Loanhead; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in defence is seeking a Programme Manager to lead and mentor project teams. The role requires proven experience in managing multiple engineering projects, strong leadership and communication skills, and the ability to adhere to best practices. This position offers flexible working, career development opportunities, and the chance to work on advanced naval defence programmes.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Career development opportunities

Wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing multiple projects within engineering or defence environments.
• Ability to lead and mentor teams effectively.
• Commercial awareness with budget and financial management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead a portfolio of projects ensuring delivery to targets.
• Mentor Project Managers and Coordinators.
• Manage contract variations and risk registers.
• Support bids and proposal activities.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Risk management

Education

City & Guilds, Scotvec, Degree, or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

About Us:

At MacTaggart Scott, we’ve been engineering innovative solutions for the Naval Defence industry since 1898. We deliver end-to-end support from design and manufacture to commissioning and life-cycle management, for some of the UK’s most complex defence programmes.

We’re proud of our heritage but focused on the future. Continuous improvement, innovation, and developing our people are at the heart of everything we do.

About the Role:

We are looking for an experienced Programme Manager to lead a portfolio of complex engineering projects within our Projects department. This is a pivotal leadership role, responsible for ensuring the successful delivery of programmes through effective planning, governance, and stakeholder engagement.

You’ll manage and mentor a team of Project Managers and Project Coordinators, ensuring adherence to best practice processes while driving performance and continuous improvement. The role also involves close collaboration with customers, internal stakeholders, and cross-functional teams to achieve successful project outcomes.

This is a role requiring minimal supervision, offering the opportunity to shape delivery excellence across some of the most advanced engineering programmes in the defence sector.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee a portfolio of projects, ensuring delivery to schedule, budget, and quality targets.
• Line-manage and mentor Project Managers and Project Coordinators, supporting their professional growth and performance.
• Ensure team adherence to departmental and business processes, promoting consistency and compliance.
• Provide direct project management support as required, including cover for Project Managers.
• Maintain accurate schedules, budgets, and forecasts with support from the Finance team.
• Manage contract variations, risk registers, and change control processes across projects.
• Lead customer engagement, acting as the primary escalation point for your programme portfolio.
• Oversee invoicing and financial reporting, ensuring all customer billing aligns with contractual terms.
• Support bids and proposal activity by reviewing scope, schedule, and cost to ensure smooth transition into execution.
• Represent the department at internal and external meetings - including contract reviews, S&OP, and steering groups and deputise for the Head of Project Management where required.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement within the Projects function

About You:

You’re a confident, strategic leader who thrives in a fast-paced technical environment. You combine commercial awareness with strong communication and leadership skills, and you know how to motivate teams to deliver complex projects successfully.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience managing multiple projects or programmes within engineering, manufacturing, or defence environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop project teams.
• Strong commercial awareness with experience managing budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage change, mitigate risks, and resolve issues across projects.
• Experience working with overseas customers and suppliers.
• Strong understanding of project governance, risk management, and schedule control.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and experienced with ERP/MRP or equivalent systems.
• Ability to meet UK MoD security clearance requirements.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Desirable Skills:

• APMP, APMQ, or equivalent project management qualification.
• Experience in the naval or defence industry.
• Familiarity with earned value management and performance metrics.
• Experience leading departmental or process improvement initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Essential: City & Guilds, Scotvec, Degree, or equivalent academic qualification.
• Desirable: APMP or equivalent project management certification.

Why Join Us:

At MacTaggart Scott, you’ll have the opportunity to lead strategically significant defence projects that make a real impact. You’ll work alongside expert engineers and project professionals in a company that values innovation, integrity, and collaboration.

Apply today and play a key role in driving the success of some of the UK’s most advanced naval defence programmes.

Your future And What We Offer

• Flexible Working: Choose a 4- or 5-day week with flexible hours (07:00–19:00, core hours 09:30–15:30).
• Career Development: Ongoing training and clear pathways to senior roles.
• Wellbeing Support: Access to our wellbeing programme, Employee Assistance Programme, and onsite nurse.
• Onsite Facilities: Free parking, canteen, and a supportive L&D team environment.