Head of Programmes

Essex (UK)

Competitive + Benefits

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head of Programmes to join a leading UK engineering and manufacturing business specialising in innovative electronic and electro-mechanical systems. Operating across sectors including rail, aviation, defence, infrastructure and industrial engineering, this senior leadership role is ideal for a commercially aware programme management professional with a strong technical and operational background.

Based in Saffron Walden, Essex, the successful candidate will lead and oversee multiple complex engineering programmes, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget and aligned to strategic business objectives. This role offers the opportunity to play a key part in driving operational excellence, programme performance and continuous improvement within a highly technical manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities for the Head of Programmes job in Saffron Walden, Essex

• Lead and manage multiple engineering and technical programmes from initiation through to delivery
• Define programme scope, objectives, timelines and deliverables aligned with wider business goals
• Develop and oversee detailed programme plans, budgets, resource allocation and delivery schedules
• Coordinate cross-functional teams, suppliers and third-party contractors to ensure successful execution
• Drive programme governance, risk management and performance reporting across all projects
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, customers and executive leadership teams
• Ensure programmes are delivered on time, within budget and to required quality standards
• Identify opportunities for operational improvements, process optimisation and greater efficiency
• Mentor and support project management teams while fostering a high-performance culture
• Ensure compliance with company policies, engineering standards and industry best practices

Skills & Experience Required for the Head of Programmes job based in Saffron Walden, Essex

• Proven experience in a Head of Programmes, Senior Programme Manager or similar leadership role
• Strong background within engineering, manufacturing, infrastructure, rail, aviation, defence or industrial sectors
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder management and programme delivery capabilities
• Strong understanding of programme and project management methodologies including Agile and Waterfall
• Experience using project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Jira, Trello or Asana
• Strong commercial awareness with budgeting, forecasting and financial management experience
• Exceptional communication, organisational and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple large-scale programmes within a fast-paced environment
• Hands-on approach with the ability to resolve complex operational and technical challenges

Qualifications

• Bachelor''s degree in Business, Management, Engineering or a related field
• Professional certification such as PRINCE2, PMP or Agile preferred

If you are an experienced Head of Programmes in Saffron Walden, Essex looking for your next leadership opportunity within a forward-thinking engineering environment, would like to join a well-established engineering business and lead high- profile programmes we would love to hear from you. Please send over an updated cv to (url removed) or call (phone number removed) for more information.