Programme Manager (Defence/Aerospace)

Holt Executive Ltd; Giffnock; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the defence sector is seeking a driven Programme Manager to oversee key international projects. This pivotal role involves strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, and successful project delivery within the Land sector. Applicants should have proven experience in managing complex programmes, strong leadership and commercial skills, and an engineering background. The position offers hybrid working arrangements and generous benefits including annual leave and pension contributions.

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.
• Strong commercial acumen and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Engineering background and understanding of complex systems.

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.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Commercial acumen

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Education

Recognised project management qualification (PRINCE2, PMP, APM)

Degree in business, project management, or related field

Job description

Are you an experienced Programme Manager with a passion for leading complex, high-impact projects within the defence or aerospace sector? We’re 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 We’re 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
  
  

What’s 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.