Senior Programme Director

Posted:
7/22/2024, 5:00:00 PM

Location(s):
Cheltenham, England, United Kingdom ⋅ England, United Kingdom

Experience Level(s):
Senior

Field(s):
Business & Strategy

Workplace Type:
Hybrid

We are Ultra Precision Control Systems

Ultra PCS is a leading developer of mission and safety critical equipment in the defence and aerospace industry. Our team of experts are at the heart of our success, which is why we are dedicated to fostering a safe working environment and a positive culture where every staff member feels valued and respected.

We solve our customers' problems, providing engineering solutions to safety and mission critical challenges in the air and on the ground. Our solutions can be found in the latest military aircraft and vehicles, in civil aircraft, and in unmanned vehicles.

We also offer innovative products optimised to support the unique challenges of the dismounted soldier. We help to ensure our customers get to where they need to be safely, achieve their objectives and keep on going back.

Flexible Working

Wherever possible, we will consider a variety of working options to suit your lifestyle, whether that be hybrid home/office working, flexible working and part or full time employment. It's the 'innovating' and 'empowering' values that we ASPIRE to be. 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

This is a critical role in the organisation with the primary responsibility of managing a group of customers within the value streams of the business. Working directly for the Value Stream VP you will be a key member of the value stream leadership.

You will manage a Business Development and Programme Management team and have full accountability for the profit and loss of the Critical Control customers. This will include setting the annual budget and the longer-term strategic plan. You will be measured on achieving these objectives.

Through the deep understanding and relationship with the customers you will support growth and be the voice of the customer within Ultra PCS.

Your role will include the management of the entire product lifecycle of your customers products. You will be the senior interface with your customers guiding negotiations and dispute resolution.

Working with the project managers in Engineering, you will ensure successful delivery of new developments and, through collaboration with the technical teams, shape and support product and technology strategy by aligning the business to your customer’s needs.

Success in this role will be achieved by working in collaboration with all the functions within the business and coordinating a business wide approach to your customers.
Standardisation of ways of working with other Business Leaders will be required.

Success in this role will achieving world class customer satisfaction whilst delivering and exceeding PCS business objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Managing a Business Development team to achieve Order Intake and growth targets.
  • Managing a team of Programme Managers
  • Develop and use disciplined processes to successfully manage and report on customers.
  • Set and deliver the budget and 5-year strategic plan.
  • Growth of the customer account and bid management of major bids and pricing initiatives.
  • Ensure the overall performance of all customer deliverables with timely and appropriate preventative and corrective actions are taken as needed. Work across the business functions to achieve this.
  • Introduce strategies to optimise supply chain procurement and PCS capacity based on future business need and product lifecycle status.
  • Generation and maintenance of key performance metrics pertaining to the business in scope.
  • Aim to achieve customer awards for performance and support.
  • Provide leadership at all levels of the organisation through effective communication, both verbally and in writing
  • Communicate and embody the company vision and values.
  • Strengthen talent within the company by recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and mentoring new employees.
  • Ensure continuous improvement and aligning organisational processes creating a team-focused environment where all collaborate and execute successfully.
  • Responsible for adherence to all Ultra programme management policies

Required Skills & Experience:

  • A Bachelor’s degree in related field; MBA preferred or relevant level of experience
  • An engineering background would be preferred.
  • A minimum of 7 years’ experience in programme management experience in a design / development and manufacturing environment
  • A background in commercial negotiations and negotiating.
  • Experience with working with the Defence and Major Prime Contractors
  • APM / PMP Certification or equivalent
  • Must be a UK citizen and could achieve SC (potentially DV) clearance.
  • Domestic and international travel required.
  • Communication skills are key to increasing management’s effectiveness with both superiors and subordinates.
  • Leadership skills are pertinent to providing and seeking out continuing education opportunities and fostering a growth mindset.
  • Delegation skills are crucial in identifying the best person (or people) for a particular task and act as a facilitator to motivate and direct the work.
  • Time management skills are important in prioritizing tasks to ensure that projects are completed by deadlines and streamlining processes to maximize productivity.
  • Decision-making skills are key to weighing the costs and benefits of various options and determining the best course of action to achieve company goals.
  • Problem-solving skills are crucial to analysing past and current performance and recommending objectives to improve productivity and profitability.
  • Working knowledge of budgets and financial statements
  • Background with manufacturing methods, process improvement programs and procedures
  • Competent in use of Microsoft Office products
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Excellent presentation skills

Security Clearance:

Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a DV security clearance

Benefits:

Every employee is critical to our success and as such we offer a range of flexible employee benefits along with career development opportunities.

  • Flexible working within core working hours
  • 25 days holiday with the option to buy/sell 5 days plus bank holidays.
  • 4 times your annual salary in life assurance
  • Flexible benefits package
  • Pension Scheme - Less than 5 years' service up to 5.5% employer contributions, 5 years' service + up to 7.5% employer contributions. 
  • Sports and Social club
  • Supportive and friendly working environment with regular team events

You couldn’t be joining the team and Ultra at a more exciting time. Therefore if this sounds of interest, please follow the application process

Nationality Requirements

Candidates must be able to work in the UK without restrictions in accordance with UK National Law and be prepared to successfully undertake an appropriate level of UK National Security Vetting according to UK Government National Security Vetting criteria.

Diverse & Inclusive Employer

Ultra PCS 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.