Unleash the Power of Multi-Mission Excellence: Safeguarding the Seas for the World's Navies.

Step into a world where cutting-edge technology meets unparalleled expertise. Ultra Maritime pioneers delivering multi-mission solutions that protect and empower the naval forces worldwide. With our extensive portfolio of capabilities, our innovations are utilised on naval fleets across our allied navies around the globe.

As the maritime and underwater battlespace evolves, we tirelessly push the boundaries to develop advanced specialist systems that provide our 'five-eyes' Defence customers with an unbeatable warfighting edge. From surface vessels to sub-surface operations and unmanned platforms, we are revolutionizing the way naval missions are executed.

We thrive on collaboration and partnering with our customers to ensure mission success. Our expert solutions encompass an array of game-changing technologies, including state-of-the-art sonar, radar, expendables, signature management, and naval power systems.

Join us in shaping the future of naval warfare and together, we will safeguard the seas and empower navies worldwide!

Flexible Working

At Ultra Maritime, we understand that your personal life is just as important as your professional one. That's why we support and promote flexible working arrangements where possible. Whether you prefer a hybrid model, working remotely, or the structure of being on-site, we will support you as best as we can. Embrace the freedom to shape your work hours according to your needs, whether it's part-time, compressed hours, or a unique arrangement that suits your lifestyle.

Rugeley embraces flexibility by offering adaptable start and finish times, empowering you to find the perfect balance between your professional and personal commitments. Bid farewell to rigid schedules and embrace the freedom to design your workday around your unique needs. We empower our people to work independently, tying into our values of Values of Integrity, Transparency and Alignment.

We welcome the challenge to work in new ways and have trust in you when getting the job done because we recognise, our business is our people. We welcome the challenge to work in new ways and have trust in you when getting the job done because we recognise, our business is our people.

Job Description

A vacancy has arisen for a Programmes Director to join Ultra Maritime SMaP, reporting to the General Manager.  They will be responsible for leadership of the Programme Management function, setting the strategic direction for the business’s approach to Programme Management, and leading the PM team to plan and execute a multi-million-pound portfolio of complex development and production programmes in line with cost, schedule and quality targets.  The Programmes Director will act as an escalation route for critical issues and decisions, engaging with project teams to resolve issues and meet customer commitments.  They will be responsible for resource planning and allocation to meet business commitments, and for the leadership and development of all PM staff.  Driving a high-performance and continuous improvement culture, they will identify and implement improvements to maximise the effectiveness and maturity of the PM function. 

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Programmes Director will play a key operational and strategic leadership role within the business, including contributing to strategic planning, business performance reporting, budgeting and forecasting, and managing senior customer relationships.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the UK Programme Management team to achieve the agreed programme and project goals in line with schedule, cost and quality targets.

• Work closely with the Engineering leadership team and other functional leads to deliver programmes, proactively identify and manage risks and opportunities, and resolve issues.

• Prioritise, co-ordinate and plan the project portfolio activities to achieve all agreed business objectives and delivery milestones.

• Develop and provide governance of PM processes to ensure effective project planning, programme execution, cost / schedule / resource management, evaluation and management of project risks, and accurate progress reporting.

• Identify and implement improvements to PM tools and processes, setting the strategy for the overall PM approach within the business.

• Ensure sufficient capability and capacity within the PM team through resource planning, recruitment, training and development as required to deliver business commitments.

• Hold regular programme reviews to monitor progress against key project and programme commitments, and to course-correct where necessary to ensure the successful delivery of projects.

• Act as an escalation route for issues and decisions, leading problem-solving activities to resolve issues and meet customer commitments.

• Act as line manager, coach and mentor to the PM leadership team.

• Work closely with the customer and with internal teams to maximise profitability of programmes through cost reduction, negotiation of extra funding, identification of additional order opportunities etc.

• Contribute to the strategic direction of the SMaP UK business.

• Participate in business performance reporting, budgeting and forecasting.

• Contribute PM strategy and participate in reviews to develop and deliver winning bids and proposals, ensuring the provision of accurate cost, schedule and risk information.

• Act as a senior point of contact for key customer relationships.

Qualifications / Skills Required

• Significant Programme Management experience at a senior level in a defence technology / engineering environment.

• Appropriate degree in a relevant discipline, ideally enhanced by a further post-graduate qualification and working knowledge of APM methodologies.

• Key skills will include influencing and negotiating, conflict resolution, priority setting, problem solving and the ability to build proficient and effective teams.

• Ability to build strong relationships and communicate effectively at all levels with internal and external stakeholders.

• The technical / systems understanding necessary to quickly understand the scope and depth of large, complex programmes, and their associated risks and opportunities.

• Display high energy and personal impact; be prepared to adopt a ‘sleeves rolled up’ leadership approach.

• Ability to solve complex problems at pace and make effective decisions under pressure.

• Knowledge and practical experience of best practice in Project Management techniques.

• High level of commercial and business awareness, customer focus and sales orientation.

• Excellent organisational, interpersonal and presentation skills.

• Adept in use of MS Office, working knowledge of PM software e.g. MS Project.

• Understanding of Waterfall, Agile and Hybrid delivery methodologies is desirable.

• APM Chartered Project Professional status or similar is desirable.

Must be eligible to obtain the security clearance required for the role.

Regular UK and occasional overseas travel will be required.

Relocation Support

Attracting high-level talent and people that can add value and expertise, is vital to our success. Attracting and retaining brilliant people is imperative so that’s why we search across the UK for talent. We offer financial support to candidates that are considering relocating; this is considered on a case-by-case basis per role and subject to HMRC guidelines.

Nationality Requirements

Candidates must be eligible to obtain the relevant security clearance required for the role, due to the nature of the programmes we deliver for our customers.

Diverse & Inclusive Employer

Ultra Maritime is an equal opportunities employer that values diversity, inclusion, equity and equality. Underpinned by our values, behaviours, and policies, we want you to feel empowered to be your best and authentic self.

We promote a workplace that welcomes people from all backgrounds and cultures; believing that this will increase our diversity of thinking, and ultimately ensure we continue delivering on our commitments to our customers.

We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status and welcome applications from all candidates.

Company: Ultra Maritime