Programme Manager

Location: Houghton Regis

Programme Manager An established aerospace manufacturing organisation is seeking an experienced Programme Manager to lead the end-to-end delivery of key customer programmes. This is a pivotal role, responsible for ensuring programmes are delivered on time, on cost, and to the highest quality standards, while acting as the primary interface between customers and internal teams.

The role requires a strong background in engineering and manufacturing, combined with excellent stakeholder management and the ability to lead cross-functional teams through complex programme life cycles.

Key Responsibilities for the Programme Manager:
Full ownership of programme schedule, cost, scope, and risk from contract award through to delivery and close-out

Drive on-time delivery (OTD) across engineering, operations, supply chain, and quality

Develop and maintain robust programme plans, milestones, and recovery actions

Proactively identify, manage, and mitigate technical, operational, and supply chain risks

Act as the primary customer point of contact for programme execution

Lead customer reviews, progress updates, and delivery commitments

Build and maintain strong, long-term customer relationships while managing expectations

Enable effective cross-functional decision-making

Apply sound engineering judgement to design maturity and production readiness

Provide clear and structured programme reporting to internal and external stakeholders

Chair programme reviews and cross-functional meetings

Develop and embed effective programme management processes at site level

Skills & Experience Required from the Programme Manager:
Proven experience in aerospace/automotive/highly regulated industry programme management

Strong understanding of manufacturing and engineering environments

Track record of delivering complex programmes on time and within budget

Experience managing NPI and production ramp-up activities

Confident working autonomously and leading cross-functional teams

Strong communication and stakeholder management skills

Experience working with ERP systems

Project Management qualification (APM, PMP, PRINCE2) – desirable