Programme Manager, Defence & Security

The Challenge:

Would you like to be at the heart of developing innovative and transformative ideas? Are you interested in leading a team that identifies how space technology can address UK and global societal challenges? Do you want a Programme leadership position which will make a real difference? If so, you may be who we are looking for!

As Programme Manager for our Defence and Security programme you will be required to understand, manage, and report upon the projects and strategic activities that are assigned. You will also understand resourcing, project, pipeline, strategic activity requirements across the programme as well as being a key contact for delivery across our defence client base.

Reporting into Director of Delivery, this is a key role that requires an ability to work under pressure and to challenging deadlines. It requires effective team building skills, proven problem-solving experience, programmatic style project reporting, and active risk management. Experience of working in a defence-based environment is essential.

Location is flexible with an expectation that you base yourself at our Head Office in Harwell Oxfordshire at least 3 days a week, the role will require travel to other offices including the customers (UK-Based).

Security clearance is required for this role and eligibility to hold higher levels of clearance as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

• The Programme Manager will be responsible for the successful management and delivery of highly complex programmes at the Catapult. We are presently setting up several strategic programmes of work, and you will lead the implementation of programme style reporting and management across the defence and security programme.

• This role requires the leadership and management of an effective team comprising of different roles to successfully deliver the programme. 

• This role will come with line management responsibilities and ability to work effectively across a hybrid matrix environment.

• The Programme Manager will facilitate the successful development of proposals for funding, delivery of work which is defence sector facing inclusive of reporting, stakeholder engagement, pursuit of extensions and future opportunities identified because of the programme or the projects within it.

• The Programme Manager will be responsible for building a strong relationship with funding bodies to enhance the collaboration and efficiency of working between organisations and a strong relationship with Programme sponsors.

• The Programme Manager will be comfortable leading a Consortium or multiple workstreams across a diverse range of organisations to deliver the outcomes required by the customer.

 Skills & Experience Required:

•  We are looking for someone that has demonstratable experience of running Programmes in a risk managed environment and being able to identify options through good problem solving to reach successful outcomes.

• Experience working in defence & security sectors with a network across public and private businesses.

• Experience of structuring and delivering highly Complex and Transformative multidisciplinary projects within £5m +size programmes and developing an effective team to manage multiple projects and proposals.

• Proven leadership skills are a key skill we are looking for especially which they showcase our values.

• You have the proven ability to effectively manage external and internal matrixed stakeholder engagement, tailoring communication style accordingly.

•  You will have an in-depth knowledge of the project management lifecycle and demonstrate competencies in applying it in a project context and have strong demonstrable experience of management of budgets, issues, actions, and active risk management.

• Strong organisational skills and ability to work to deadlines and manage multiple deliverables simultaneously.

• You are comfortable working with vague scope and are highly capable of shaping and scoping proposal work into a value-based implementation.

•  You may have one of the various Project Management or Programme Management qualifications which is advantageous.

• You have been line managed project professionals enabling growth and development.

About us & how we work: 

We strive to create a high trust, high performance and inclusive environment that enables team members to bring their whole selves to work. This helps to create the foundations of an innovation culture. Our shared values are critical to this: 

• We care - for our people, our partners, and our planet.

• We connect - and engage with people and ideas.

• We learn - and grow, as people and as an industry

Underpinning this is our belief in great teams. Our combined efforts will always deliver outcomes beyond that of any individual, providing we are honest through debate, experiment and reflect, and create shared resolutions in support of our purpose. Live these values, work to our principles, take ownership to deliver, and we are certain you will thrive with us. 

This job description set outs the skills and experience that are needed to be able to perform in this job. If you believe you can deliver in this role then we want to hear from you.

We offer a hybrid policy which is designed around collaboration, one 'anchor' day per week working with your direct team and another flexible day per week to be spent collaborating or working with other colleagues. This may differ depending on the role you are applying for. Some roles may require more office presence or travel.

Important notice for applicants: We use tools to detect plagiarism and the use of AI or chatbots for applicant answers. If plagiarism, AI use (such as ChatGPT), or similar software are found to have been used in your application you will not be considered for this or future roles within the Satellite Applications Catapult.

At Satellite Applications Catapult, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. We welcome candidates from all corners of the globe, but due to legal and logistical considerations, we want to be transparent about the potential visa-related challenges that could arise. Our ability to offer sponsorship will depend on the level of interest for our roles and salary level.

If you need any additional support during the application process, please do reach out and connect. We also invite you to share feedback via Applied.

Please note that we offer study support (at our discretion) and on the job training will be provided.