Programme Manager (Note - we are recruiting across three Missions (Sustainable Earth, Connected Earth and Autonomous Earth).  

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’re looking for! 

We are currently seeking a Programme Manager to work developing key strategic work surrounding our missions from the idea phase through to delivery and be known as the Delivery Lead. 

As Delivery lead in the mission you will be required to understand and report upon the projects and pipeline activity that sit within the mission you are assigned. You will also understand resourcing, project, pipeline, catalytic activity requirements across the portfolio and you will input and lead some initiatives to ensure they are working in line with mission outcomes. 

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 Grant based environment is also desirable, but not essential.  

Location is flexible with our principal offices in Harwell Oxfordshire, the role will require travel to other offices and international trips are possible. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• The Programme Manager will be responsible for the successful management and delivery of highly complex and transformative missions 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 those missions. 

• 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 have ultimate responsibility for the successful development of proposals for funding, delivery of work within the assigned mission, reporting, stakeholder engagement, pursuit of extensions and future opportunities identified as a result 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 of diverse 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 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.  Excellent leadership at the Catapult showcases our values. 

• You have the proven ability to effectively manage external and internal 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 in the vague and are highly capable of shaping and scoping proposal work into a value based implementation. 

Qualifications: 

You may have one of the various Project Management qualifications which is advantageous  

You know you have been successful when… 

• You will have developed a focused and motivated team working across the project lifecycle within your Programme. 

• You will have been successful at leading a large Consortium to deliver the outcomes required by our customer.   

• You have been proactive and can showcase the way you develop and continuously improve the way we deliver programmes of work.   

• Have a structured and methodical approach to internal and external stakeholder management including reporting and escalating effectively. 

• You are recognised as an excellent leader of programmes and people.   

• You have led and improved the way we make decisions using risk based options and processes 

The purpose of your new team: 

You will be part of the Delivery Team working directly for the Director of Delivery.  The team composes of all levels of Project Managers, PMO, Governance and Service Management.   

The team delivers a diverse and exciting portfolio of projects and services that generates positive outcomes for the Space Sector and beyond. 

 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 anyone 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 we think are needed to be able to perform in this job. However, if you believe you can deliver in this role then we want to hear from you.

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're 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.