Programme Manager (Defence/Aerospace)

Holt Recruitment; England; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Programme Manager to oversee and lead complex projects in the defence/aerospace sector. This pivotal role involves managing international programmes, ensuring stakeholder engagement, and aligning strategies with commercial objectives. The successful candidate will have a recognised project management qualification and a strong engineering background, with a focus on delivering high-quality outcomes whilst managing risks effectively. Benefits include hybrid working, additional leave, and support for personal development.

Benefits

Hybrid / flexible working arrangements

Early finish on Fridays

28 days annual leave + Christmas closure + holiday purchase scheme

Group pension plan (matched up to 5%)

Income protection & life assurance

Remote GP access, mental health support, physiotherapy services

EV salary sacrifice scheme

Discounts on gym memberships, high street retailers, and more

Access to learning & development resources

Onsite free parking

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing international defence/aerospace programmes.
• Experience leading high-performing teams in a fast-paced, collaborative setting.
• Engineering background and understanding of complex systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate multiple projects within a major Land sector programme.
• Drive delivery against profit, revenue and growth targets.
• Manage reporting on financials including revenue and cash-flow.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Commercial acumen

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Education

Recognised project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2, PMP, APM)

Degree in business or project management

Job description

Are you an experienced Programme Manager with a passion for leading complex, high-impact projects within the defence or aerospace sector? Were looking for a driven and strategic Programme Manager to take ownership of a key customer-facing programme within the Land sector.

This is a pivotal opportunity to shape the success of multiple international projects from design through to delivery.

About the Role:

Reporting to the Land Programme Manager, you will oversee a programme comprising several concurrent projects, each at different stages of their lifecycle.

Your leadership will ensure successful planning, execution and stakeholder engagement, all while aligning with commercial objectives and ensuring robust risk and resource management.

Key Responsibilities:

- Lead and coordinate multiple projects within a major Land sector programme

- Ensure integrated planning, risk management and resourcing across departments

- Drive delivery against profit, revenue and growth targets

- Participate in bid and proposal planning, estimating PM labour, and scheduling

- Launch and oversee R&D and customer contracts from inception to closure

- Liaise with engineering and functional leads to ensure technical and resource alignment

- Provide high-level project board communication and strategic stakeholder engagement

- Manage reporting on financials (revenue, cash-flow, margin forecasts, etc.)

- Mentor and support project managers while overseeing PM staffing needs

What Were Looking For:

Essential:

- Proven experience managing international defence/aerospace programmes

- Strong commercial acumen and stakeholder engagement skills

- Recognised project management qualification (e.g.

PRINCE2, PMP, APM)

- Experience leading high-performing teams in a fast-paced, collaborative setting

- Engineering background and understanding of complex systems

- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally

Desirable:

- Degree in business, project management, or a related field

Personal Attributes:

- Analytical and strategic thinker with strong leadership skills

- Resilient, adaptable, and solutions-oriented

- Collaborative team player with excellent interpersonal skills

- Demonstrates values of Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence, and Courage

Whats on Offer:

- Hybrid / flexible working arrangements

- Early finish on Fridays

- 28 days annual leave + Christmas closure + holiday purchase scheme

- Group pension plan (matched up to 5%)

- Income protection & life assurance

- Remote GP access, mental health support, physiotherapy services

- EV salary sacrifice scheme

- Discounts on gym memberships, high street retailers, and more

- Access to learning & development resources

- Onsite free parking

Security Requirements: Due to the nature of the role, candidates must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance.

This includes proof of identity, right to work in the UK, and five years of UK residency.