Job description for SDA Senior Programme Manager

The Project Delivery function tracks and delivers some of the most complex and exciting projects in UK defence, offering fantastic variety with the support to shape and grow your career. With Project Controls and Project Management specialists working arm-in-arm, together our teams deliver fast-paced, cutting-edge projects – from the newest armoured vehicles to ground-breaking future aviation technologies – while ensuring critical core programmes keep moving forward, too.

We’re an Association for Project Management accredited organisation, and as part of our team you’ll benefit from plenty of opportunities for development, on-going training, access to funded professional qualifications, and a c.27% employer pension contribution. You’ll also have access to a wide range of employee networks, including the Women’s Inclusive Network, Race & Culture Network, Pride Network, Disability Network – and many more. We recognise that the best people for the job may have commitments outside of work, so we’re pleased to promote flexible working to support our colleagues in balancing work and home life.

Responsibilities for SDA Senior Programme Manager

The SDA has an opportunity for a Senior Programme Manager to join the Submarine Production (SMP)Team reporting directly to the 1* Programme Director / Team Leader.

The post holder is responsible for :
a) delivery of the ASTUTE Class Submarines programme within extant performance, cost and time parameters
b) delivery of benefits and change strategies
c) provide leadership to the SMP Barrow Office
d) daily engagement with Senior Industry Partner – influencing outcomes and enhancing relations
e) delivery of key artefacts to support programme governance and stakeholder management

The post holder is delegated financial authority for review and approval investments associated with change / delivery of benefits, and monitoring / reporting the benefit realisation plans.

The role will be critical in managing the complex stakeholder map, across organisational boundaries and working at senior levels, to inspire confidence and assurance in delivery of ASTUTE key outputs, drive continuous improvement, and transformational results.
The post holder must bring focus, dynamism and professionalism to the team performance. This is a demanding role, ensuring knowledge transfer from across the Enterprise and driving forward a significant change improvement programme. The role offers a unique opportunity to deliver a multi-billion-pound scope of work which is at the heart of the UK’s Defence programme.
It requires exceptional interpersonal ability to build relations with external partners and customers that are critical in securing the strategic objectives of the programme and will require the individual to influence Industry outcomes.

The successful candidate will be able to balance technical Programme Management competencies with very strong leadership and stakeholder management skills; including verbal and written communication. The resilience to work at pace in a complicated operating landscape with multiple challenges and competing demands on their time is essential. Experience of maritime acquisition build programmes is preferable but not essential.

This is a waterfront role and requires an in-office presence of approximately two-three days per week to sustain team cohesion and industrial engagement. There will also be a requirement for travel other Defence and Industry sites in the UK and potentially overseas.

What you will be assessed against

To be successful with your application you must demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria:
• Complex project/ programme management experience including continuous improvement
• Proven ability for Industrial leadership and effective multi-party (organisation) collaboration
• Evidence of managing complex risk and opportunity
• Proven track record of delivery value with benefits management methodology
• Ability to influence, providing concise advice on complex issues whilst managing stakeholder expectations and develop schedules and hold team members accountable to task

It will also benefit your application if you are able to demonstrate the following desirable criteria:
• Association of Project Management – Project Professional Qualification, or equivalent PM qualification
• MAPM / ChPP
• Contract Management experience in complex programmes
• Post Graduate Qualification i.e MSC eg Project Management / Project Leadership Programme (PLP)
• Knowledge of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise

In addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competencies and behaviours will be assessed at interview:
• Stakeholder Management
• Leadership
• Changing and improving

What’s in it for you?

Please note, our salary bands are under review and may increase. If the outcome of the review results in an increase in the minimum salary and your salary offer falls below the new minimum, your salary will be increased to the new amount from your contracted start date. If the new minimum is less than the salary you are offered, the original salary offer will be retained.

Our careers offer stability, training, progression – and much more! Learn more about our benefits and pension schemes.

We’re exploring future ways of working with a flexible and a family-friendly approach in mind. This means that successful candidates may be offered the option of hybrid working, combining working at home with working at their contractual location. Further information relevant to hybrid working will be discussed with you prior to you taking up your post, to find a balance that suits your needs and those of the organisation. Please note that employees are responsible for meeting the cost of their travel to and from work when attending site.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are dedicated to creating a great place to work that reflects the diversity of the society we serve. To help us do this, we particularly encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, disabled people and people from LGBT communities. By bringing together different ideas, experiences and perspectives, together we can achieve the extraordinary.

Please click the link below to apply for SDA Senior Programme Manager  by creating an account and upload your details.