Programme Manager (LAND/DEFENCE ENGINEERING)

Holt Executive

  • West Sussex
  • £65,000-75,000 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 19 days ago
Are you an experienced Programme Manager with a passion for delivering complex, high-impact engineering projects in the defence or aerospace sector?We’re seeking a confident and strategic Programme Manager to take ownership of a multi-project programme within the Land domain. This is a key role in shaping the successful delivery of technically advanced projects, from initial concept through to customer delivery.About the Role:Reporting to the Programme Director, you will lead a suite of interlinked customer and R&D projects, ensuring successful delivery across all phases — from planning and resourcing to execution and closeout. Your leadership will be central to driving commercial outcomes, building strong customer relationships, and supporting project management capability across the business.Key Responsibilities:
  • Oversee multiple concurrent projects within a high-profile defence programme
  • Drive delivery against profit, revenue, and growth targets
  • Ensure effective integration of project planning, risk management, and resource coordination
  • Lead proposal planning, labour estimation, and development of project schedules
  • Ensure successful initiation and transition of both internal and external projects
  • Provide direction and high-level communication across project boards and strategic partners
  • Liaise with engineering and departmental leads to align technical objectives and resourcing
  • Maintain robust forecasting of labour and capacity needs using planning tools
  • Mentor and manage Project Managers within the programme, including recruitment and development
  • Support regular programme reporting and escalation of key risks and issues
  • Monitor project financials (revenue, cash-flow, margin forecasts) and lead recovery actions when needed
What We’re Looking For:Essential:
  • Proven experience managing multi-project defence/aerospace programmes (preferably international)
  • Strong commercial insight and the ability to manage stakeholder relationships effectively
  • Recognised project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2, APM, PMP)
  • Background in engineering or complex technical project delivery
  • Experience guiding teams in a fast-paced, agile, and continuous improvement culture
  • Skilled in project planning tools such as Microsoft Project
  • Ability to travel within the UK and internationally as required (valid driving licence and passport)
Desirable:
  • Degree in business, project management, engineering, or related field
Personal Attributes:
  • Strategic thinker with strong analytical and leadership capability
  • Calm under pressure with a proactive, solution-focused mindset
  • Collaborative and confident communicator at all levels
  • Resilient, adaptable, and motivated by delivery
  • Demonstrates values of Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence, and Courage
What’s on Offer:
  • Flexible hybrid working arrangements
  • Lunchtime finishes every Friday
  • 28 days annual leave + Christmas shutdown + holiday purchase scheme
  • Group pension plan (matched up to 6%)
  • Income protection & life assurance
  • Employee Assistance Programme – access to remote GP, mental health support, physio
  • Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
  • Gym membership discounts and wellbeing app access
  • High street discounts, reward platform, and referral bonuses
  • Professional development and learning opportunities
  • Free onsite parking
Security Requirements:Due to the nature of the role, all applicants must be eligible for UK Security Clearance. This includes providing proof of identity, right to work in the UK, and a minimum of five years’ continuous UK residency.Ready to lead programmes that drive national defence innovation?Apply now to join a team committed to engineering excellence and operational success.

Holt Executive