Programme Manager

Are you interested in working at the business end of Aerospace, where airline brand meets innovative passenger experience?

Then your next opportunity could be with Safran Seats, an industry award winning, premium designer and manufacturer of First and Business Class seating and technology.

Our passenger experience prides itself on innovation, customization, quality and industrial design.

At Safran Seats, we are unique within aerospace, as we interface with both the world's biggest airlines and airframers alike, with the largest seats portfolio of all seats suppliers.

One day you could be liaising with one of the world's largest airframers, and the next, some of the biggest airline brands around the world!

In the UK, Safran Seats specialises solely in the First Class and Business Class seating markets for wide body aircraft, with industrial and engineering teams in Cwmbran and Newport, Wales and Brackley, England.

Job Summary

The Programme Manager is responsible for:

-Compliance with contractual commitments and ensuring customer satisfaction within this scope.

-Meeting objectives assigned by the Company and being responsible for ensuring that the Business Plan(s) are met within their scope of accountability.

-Leading the Integrated Programme Team as a Matrix Manager.

This role is not only about exceptional technical programme management: it demands an agile and assertive leader capable of thriving in fast-paced, high-stakes environments with global customer exposure. The ideal candidate will combine deep Programme Management best practices knowledge with a fierce commitment to delivery and adaptability to changing priorities and constraints. This is an opportunity to influence some of the most cutting-edge products in aerospace, interact regularly with our executive leadership team and global customers, and leave a meaningful impact on our industry-leading product offerings.

Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.

Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking.

Safran Seats is one of the world's leading manufacturers of aircraft seats, for both crew and passengers. 1 million Safran Seats-manufactured aircraft seats are currently in service with air fleets around the world.

-Define and assess, within the scope of their authority, the objectives of the members of the IPT.

-Lead the IPT to ensure the execution of then programme under their management.

-Validate the major deliverables submitted by the IPT Members

If the scope of activity concerns several programmes there will be these additional responsibilities:

Contribute to the construction of the strategic plan and to the elaboration of financial forecasts across the scope of activities.

-Monitor PROMPT deployment and application, especially during internal reviews and follow up closure of actions associated to critical or major deviations.

-Evaluate the maturity of the Programme Management process and implement continuous improvement actions / workshops within the scope of activities,

Build and manage a team of Programme Managers / Project Coordinators

-Define objectives for each programme manager and allocate appropriate resources according to the strategy and challenges of the Business Unit.

-Ensure with each functional department manager that the objectives and resources of the IPT members are compatible with the challenges of the programmes under their responsibility.

-Lead and Evaluate the performance of the team.

We are committed to building a workforce that is reflective of the diverse community we serve. We want to attract the best applications from people of all backgrounds and underrepresented groups because we strongly believe in adding value through diversity, inclusion. Our employees enable us to deliver services that are accessible and inclusive. As part of our commitment with Disability Confident Employers, we may offer a guaranteed interview to applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post. We strive to provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and employment. Let us know if you need support to showcase your talents or require any reasonable adjustments with your application.

This role is subject to pre-employment checks, including but not limited to criminal record checks. While having unspent convictions may not necessarily prevent you from being employed, you are required to disclose any unspent convictions during the recruitment process. Only candidates who successfully pass these checks will be considered for employment.

Proven Programme Management experience managing large, complex programmes within aerospace, automotive, or a similarly regulated industry.

Bachelor's degree in business, Engineering or related field; PMP, APM PMQ, PgMP or equivalent preferred.

Strong understanding of technical and regulatory standards for aerospace products. Knowledge specific to aircraft seating is highly desirable.

A "street fighter" mentality demonstrating tenacity, grit, and the willingness to challenge the status quo to achieve results.

Prior experience in managing international clients and understanding of cross-cultural communication and business practice.

Direct experience with the design, manufacturing, or certification processes specific to aerospace seating products.

Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or other CI methodologies is beneficial.

Ability to work effectively with diverse, global customers, skilfully manage differing priorities, and maintain composure in high-pressure situations.

Ability to distil complex programme status or situations into executive-level summaries, and present in a clear, persuasive manner to various stakeholders.

Demonstrated ability to make fast, informed decisions based on evolving data, especially under conditions of ambiguity and shifting priorities.

Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to diplomatically manage competing interests and prioritise effectively.

A growth oriented leader who can embrace new challenges, continuously learn and mode resilience for the team.

Please apply and submit your CV today!

Once your CV has been reviewed, we will contact you with the next stages.

We want Safran Seats to be a workplace where everyone feels valued, can be themselves and know they can reach their full potential. We embrace and celebrate our differences through various initiatives and support colleagues through a number of staff networks