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Programme Director

High Wycombe
1 week ago
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Programme Director – Defence

4 days pw onsite, Competitive salary DOE

Candidates must be eligible for UK Security Clearance

Copello are pleased to be partnered with a leading aerospace and defence technology organisation to recruit for a Programme Director to join their senior leadership team.

This is a key strategic role within a well-established and highly regarded business unit focused on delivering advanced aerospace systems and mission-critical technologies to UK and international defence customers. The successful individual will lead a portfolio of complex programmes through the full development lifecycle from concept and design through to delivery, integration, and customer acceptance.

About you

The ideal candidate will be an accomplished senior leader with a proven track record of managing complex, high-value programmes in the aerospace or defence sector. You will bring board-level gravitas, strong commercial acumen, and the ability to lead diverse technical and delivery teams in a high-stakes environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide end-to-end leadership of multiple high-value programmes, ensuring delivery to agreed cost, schedule, quality, and performance targets.

  • Lead, motivate, and develop cross-functional project and engineering teams.

  • Act as the primary internal and external interface for programme matters, ensuring high levels of customer engagement and stakeholder satisfaction.

  • Develop and implement programme management frameworks, governance structures, and reporting processes.

  • Identify and manage programme-level risks, issues, dependencies, and opportunities.

  • Drive performance improvements and continuous development across all programme areas.

  • Manage financial performance of programmes including forecasting, budget adherence, and profitability.

  • Support business development and bid activities by contributing to proposals and strategic planning.

  • Collaborate with senior leadership to align programme delivery with wider business objectives and strategic growth initiatives.

    Essential Skills & Experience:

  • Proven experience in senior programme leadership roles within aerospace or defence.

  • Strong knowledge of project/programme management methodologies and governance best practices.

  • Exceptional stakeholder management, with the ability to operate effectively at executive and customer levels.

  • Experience managing large teams and delivering across multi-disciplinary functions.

  • Sound financial acumen with experience of managing programme budgets and commercial performance.

  • Strong problem-solving capabilities and ability to drive decision-making at pace.

  • Degree-qualified in a relevant discipline (Engineering, Programme Management, Business, etc.).

    Desirable:

  • Background in systems such as avionics, communications, RF, or other defence-related technologies.

  • Experience working in matrixed or global organisations with complex supply chains.

  • Professional certifications such as MSP, APM, PMI, or equivalent.

    If you feel you have the skills and experience please apply now and we will be in touch for a further conversation

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