Head of Programmes

Opportunity Brief:  Head of Programmes

Ford & Stanley Executive Search (Part of the Ford & Stanley Group) are a leading Executive search firm to the UK, North American and European Engineering, Technology, Sustainability & Heavy Manufacturing industries.

Our search directors, search consultants and research teams specialise in all horizontal functions of our clients' organisations with expertise spanning engineering, commercial, procurement, HR, IT, finance, HSQE, sales, projects, operations and c-suite.

We are trusted by over 100 leading organisations when they seek to make a leadership appointment, be that a permanent appointment or an interim solution.

We have been retained and appointed by our client on the search and selection for a Head of Programmes who can take ownership of the project management function, build key relationships with internal & external stakeholders and modernise ways of working with the project management team.

Below you will find an 'opportunity brief' developed from notes taken during the scoping meeting (Situational Discovery) held between the Research Manager and Search Director of F&S Executive Search and the Project Director of the business in question. This brief is designed to give candidates a deeper insight into the opportunity inherent within the role, the challenges the role presents and provide access to the detail that sits behind the job specification.

Client Opportunity Statements:

"Pivotal to our continued evolution and growth as a business is the appointment of a relationship-driven and pragmatic Head of Programmes. This leadership position will be integral to the continued mentorship of our programme delivery team alongside being the driving force behind modernising our Project Management function."

"We are entering a phase of growth as a result of our recent project wins. As such, it's vital that we capitalise on this opportunity, through the building of excellent relationships with new and existing clients and ultimately, the incoming Head of Programmes will be driving this and be the voice of the business on commercial discussions."

"The successful candidate will be joining a business that is agile, fast-paced and highly collaborative, we are looking for a programme leader who is passionate about our mission and eager to join us on our journey of continued growth! With this role reporting into the Projects Director, the candidate can expect a lot of empowerment, autonomy and accountability."

Challenges expected within the first 12 months include:

The role of Head of Programmes is an incredibly diverse position that wears many hats and will be spinning many plates whilst having a 'helicopter view' of all projects. A successful candidate will need to manage the diversity and complexity of projects, ensuring they don't lose sight of the mission inherent in this role.

A fast-paced business that has grown very quickly. Due to this, processes, procedures and governance will need to be developed to allow the business to continue to grow and achieve its goals. The incoming candidate will need to be comfortable working in a changing environment whilst these processes are being developed.

The Programmes team is growing and expanding due to recent projects that have been won, 4 new roles will be sat under the Head of Programmes.

Key deliverables within the first 12 months include:

Take ownership and accountability of the Project Management Function, defining key milestones, looking at ways to improve processes and modernise ways of working.

Demonstrate that close working relationships have been developed with key internal and external stakeholders.

Be the business' voice on commercial discussions with the customers, ensuring that cost implications and commercial changes are managed through.

Essential Hard Skills (Skills & Experience)

A Strong programme management experience within a global manufacturing, operational or service environment within high-integrity industries including Rail, Automotive, Aerospace and Defence. 

Good knowledge of SAP or equivalent MRP system.

Strong self-awareness and understanding of the complexities of cross-functional team management.

Demonstrated experience in managing similar-sized budgets, margins, forecasting and overall commercials.  Project P&L management. 

Strong analytical mindset and commercially driven.

Ability to build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and key external stakeholders.

Essential Soft Skills (Attributes & Behaviours)

Commercially astute, and confident in managing budgets and forecasts.

Highly motivated and can work with minimum supervision and critical thought.

Ability to inspire teams and take them on a journey. Coach, develop and mentor junior members within the PM function.

Dynamic and forward-thinking individual.

Relationship driven, values internal relationships and takes time to earn trust. The Head of Programmes will be the voice of commercial discussions, cost implications and change for the business.

Working Arrangements & Location:

Candidates can be based in a "central band" location within the UK, this could include, Derby, Doncaster, Milton Keynes and London. Candidates must be prepared to travel to London or further sites across the UK for meetings when required. 

Ford & Stanley Interview Process:

1st Stage - Candidate Discovery: An open, conversational and consultative discussion where interested candidates are assessed on their suitability for the role in the context of the above and challenged on how the opportunity lines up with their career aspirations, motivations, financial expectations and personal circumstances.

2nd Stage - The 'shortlist': Candidates are asked to reflect on the candidate discovery discussion, take time to reflect on the opportunity and undertake subsequent research on the client business reporting back on their thoughts, questions and providing additional specific information on their suitability (if applicable). Final checks of role, package and logistical alignments made.

Good to know:

This is a brand-new role for the business which reports directly into the Projects Director, currently with 6-8 direct reports.

As Head of Programmes, you will be responsible for leading the programme delivery team in the execution of all the business's obligations. 

The Head of Programmes will act as the key client interface with clients and will be responsible for programme profitability. 

There are currently 3 PMs per project, these are broken down into a PM that manages the Project internally, client-facing and a pure project manager who manages the whole project life cycle.

Overall management of programme profitability and allocated budgets. .

The Head of Programmes will be required to identify and monitor programme risks (threats and opportunities), plan and implement responses to them and respond to other issues that affect the programme.

Candidates must be proactive and will take the initiative to ensure that key responsibilities are upheld throughout the business.

Strong programme management experience within a manufacturing, operational or service environment within high-integrity industries including Rail, Automotive, Aerospace and Defence. 

The business are currently using the APM Project Management Approach.

It's important for the incoming candidate to note that the Project Management function will require a heavy emphasis on the designing of processes and procedures to scale up the function.

Budget:

Low: £95,000 Mid: £108,000 High: £120,000

Supporting benefits

Competitive benefits package available. 

Executive Search Delivery Team:

Oliver Nunn - Research Manager (Client Recommendations/Advisory, Offer Negotiations, Headhunting, Networking, Interviewing)

Emma Barlow - Senior Research Associate (Shortlisting, Headhunting, Networking, Research, Search, Longlisting, Interviews, Data & Market Intel)

Ralitsa Kuzeva - Executive Assistant (Diary Management, Coordination, Candidate Experience)

About Ford & Stanley Executive Search:

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