Senior Programme Manager

Northrop Grumman Corporation; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Defence contractor in Cheltenham seeks a Programme Manager to oversee complex Defence development programmes. This role encompasses strategic leadership, stakeholder management, and oversight of key milestones and budget adherence. The successful candidate will possess proven experience in Defence programme management, strong communication skills for engaging stakeholders, and expertise in project management frameworks. Join a diverse and inclusive workforce committed to delivering solutions in the UK Defence sector.

Benefits

Relocation assistance may be available

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience of complex Defence programme management, including change management.
• Strong communication skills to influence internal & external stakeholders.
• Expert in recognized project, programme, portfolio management frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multi-function matrix team to deliver all phases of programme development.
• Manage key programme milestones, plans, and budgets.
• Identify and manage programme and portfolio risks.

Skills

Leadership experience

Communication skills

Risk management

Commercial acumen

Education

Professional engineering and PM qualifications/certifications

Tools

MS Office

MS Project

Job description

<>UK CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: Yes RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE TYPE: UK-Highest Level of Government Clearance TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the Time

Accountable for the management of a portfolio of complex Defence development programmes that deliver the right solution whilst ensuring schedule and budget adherence are maintained, in order to deliver business objectives. You will identify and deliver technologies and capabilities to support growth and scale of the C&I business area into UK Defence accounts. You are responsible for ensuring accurate and consistent reporting of the programmes to keep senior management, stakeholders and customer fully informed in all areas. This role will manage change to ensure programme and portfolio objectives are achieved.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and direct a diverse, multi-function matrix team to win and deliver all phases of the programme development lifecycle. Instil a ‘Programme Excellence’ mind‑set, developing and coaching teams as required
• Be the key interface to the external customer and senior stakeholders, managing and maintaining the relationship to ensure delivery of programmes and a high level of customer satisfaction.
• Establish and be accountable for delivery of key programme milestones, plans, resources, schedules, and budgets in accordance with delegated authority.
• Produce product roadmaps and associated business cases for investment approval decisions.
• Manage the preparation and negotiation of bids, contracts, subcontracts and contract changes.
• Identify and manage programme and portfolio risks and issues, identifying, agreeing and implementing appropriate solutions.
• Lead programme management reviews and meetings as required
• Support the Account Lead in developing and growing a professional and engaged team
• Understand and apply all policies, processes and procedures around compliance and governance

Person Specification

Essential qualifications / experience

• Proven leadership experience of complex Defence programme management, including change management
• Successful delivery of development and in service programmes for complex / high value / long term projects and services, including transition into service.
• Strong communication skills & experience to influence senior internal & external stakeholders
• Able to translate & present complex technical concepts to management & customers
• Expert in the application of recognized bid, project, programme, portfolio and service management frameworks eg Shipley, PMI, APM, MSP, Prince II, ITIL, including earned value management techniques.
• Competent in the use of MS office including MS project or other industry recognised project scheduling tools.
• Expert in risk and opportunity management.

Preferred qualifications / experience

• Experience of successfully managing large, complex firm price development programmes into UK MOD departments.

Competency/Skill requirements

• Commercial acumen and deep understanding of business financials to deliver results
• Strong customer focus, with excellent customer and internal verbal and written communication skills
• Good interpersonal skills, able to engage effectively with all audiences/stakeholders
• Leadership skills, able to empower and support the team
• Respectful of others and embraces the value of a diverse and inclusive team
• Proactive team worker that can work in matrix environment, equally self‑motivated and able to work autonomously and in conjunction with key supporting disciplines eg business development, technical, finance, contracts.
• Systems thinker. Adept at problem‑solving, able to develop solutions to a variety of problems
• Able to make timely, balanced decisions
• Flexible and responsive to change
• Good attention to detail
• Organised, adept at workload management and prioritising appropriately to meet deadlines
• Professional engineering and PM qualifications/certifications an advantage.
• Fluent in written and spoken English
• Engaging ‘can do’ attitude

Other requirements

• Full UK driving licence is required. Due to the nature of the role there will be a need to travel frequently to either Supplier or Customer sites located within the South‑West.
• Clearance requirements: Post‑holder must hold and maintain UK Government clearances and be UK Sole National

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce, and encourages individuals from all backgrounds and all abilities to apply and consider becoming a part of our diverse and inclusive workforce.