Head of Programmes
QinetiQ
- Ashford, Kent
- Permanent
- Full-time
Location: Ashford, Kent
Company: QinetiQ Target SystemsPackage: Highly Competitive Salary + Benefits Package
Role Type: Full time / Permanent
Role ID: SF170Be part of the QinetiQ journey. Join us as a Head of Programmes at our QinetiQ Target Systems (QTS) in Ashford site where you will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and many of the industry's most brilliant minds.QTS is a wholly owned subsidiary of QinetiQ Group PLC specialising in the design and manufacture of a range of state-of-the-art Unmanned Aerial and Surface Target systems including the world leading Banshee target. The effectiveness of military operations at the front line is based on the Armed Services having the right equipment and having effectively trained against realistic threats. To achieve this, military equipment needs to be rigorously tested and integrated with the war fighter, and comprehensive training conducted prior to entering the theatre of operations.QTS is a world leader in the design, development, manufacture and operation of advanced target systems for live-fire training exercises and weapons test and evaluation.The Role:
As the Head of Programmes, reporting to the Managing Director, you'll have a role out of the ordinary. You will be responsible for developing and leading the Programme and Project Management Function within QTS UK, ensuring all projects are clearly identified, reported and delivered to the required schedule/time, cost and quality standards, and ensuring that the business has the required resources (including people, process and tools) to effectively and consistently deliver the project portfolio.The project portfolio will include multiple routine to complex customer and internal development based projects.Day-to-day you will:
- Take leadership of programmes discipline and line management of a small team of programme and project managers, including the development and embedding of continuous improvement in the programmes function
- Delivery of project outcomes to agreed baseline in regards to scope, quality, schedule/time, cost, risk and objectives; and with appropriate governance, assurance and reporting on all activities
- Development, implementation and maintenance of programme management processes embedded in local procedures, aligned with the Group Project Lifecycle Framework (PLF) and applicable Sector P3M Excellence Functional guidance
- Working with the production manager, where appropriate ensure timescales and resources are planned in detail for the effective prototyping, process validation and transfer of products from development to production
- Partner with Head of Engineering to review and ensure total Engineering team resource demand is appropriately planned and prioritised to support the project portfolio and delivery requirements
- Support the business winning teams with bidding to ensure that projects have an executable plan at the point prior to bid release
- Ensure effective and efficient project portfolio planning and integration by partnering with the Customer Accounts team and technical functions to ensure that there are clear lines of responsibility and accountability for each project
- Develop and implement improved project reporting and regularly update financial forecasts to ensure latest project status is reflected in business level forecasts
- Resolving conflicts (including prioritisation calls) within the programme and collaborating across the company
- Own the relationship on behalf of QTS UK with Sector and Group Programmes Functions ensuring that QTS UK is aligned with wider QinetiQ approaches and initiatives
- Acts as a role model in demonstrating commitment to QinetiQ values and behaviours
- Collaborates effectively with other functions both within QTS UK and across the wider Group
- Communicates frequently and clearly with team members at all levels
- Leads and drives employee engagement
- Clearly articulates business objectives to all levels of the organization and ensures Functions have plans in place to fulfil the business growth need
- Provides clear input to support the creation of forecasts, budgets and the ISBP
- Supports and promotes a safety centric culture
- Acts and operates with a global mindset
- Strong understanding of engineering processes and product development
- Significant experience of programme and project management and in a business leadership environment
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders
- Tackled low-level problems with appreciation of high-level implications
- Identifies key drivers to business performance and leads mutli-disciplinary teams to address opportunities and risks.
- Knowledge of Health and Safety
- Project Management qualification (or equivalent) and strong knowledge of Programme and Project Management disciplines
- Relevant engineering qualifications such as a degree or Chartered Engineer (or equivalent)
- Generous holiday allowance
- Health Cash Plan, Private Medical Insurance and Dental Insurance
- Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
- Employee discount portal: Personal Accident Insurance, Travel Insurance, Restaurants, Cinema Tickets and much more
- Holiday Trading is a benefit that allows most employees to buy up to 5 days' additional leave
- We are proud to support the Armed Forces community by honouring the Armed Forces Covenant
- Payroll Giving and Volunteering - helping charities and local community