Description
Job Overview
As Programme Manager for Helsing's Land domain, you will run a workstream within a complex defence programme, keeping delivery on track and stakeholders aligned. You will own working-level relationships with customers and partners and actively support commercial outreach by identifying opportunities as they emerge.
Responsibilities
- Drive end-to-end technical programme delivery using structured project management methods, owning master schedules, Gantt charts, critical path analyses, and milestone tracking.
- Navigate MoD gated review processes (DE&S reviews, CADMID cycle, ASG), ensuring all technical, qualification, and contractual entry/exit criteria are rigorously fulfilled.
- Plan and lead live customer trials, range tests, and field demonstrations, coordinating operational logistics, safety protocols, and cross-functional engineering support on-site.
- Oversee Safety Case management and qualification testing workflows, ensuring compliance with standards such as Def Stan 00-035 and MIL-STD-810.
- Manage Tier 1 and Tier 2 hardware subcontractors, fabrication partners, and component suppliers, ensuring on-time delivery while maintaining strict compliance with ITAR and UK Export Control Regulations.
- Maintain programme risk and opportunity registers, surfacing technical and supply chain bottlenecks early to execute swift, structured mitigation actions.
- Provide clear, data-driven technical progress reporting and dashboards to senior leadership and technical customer counterparts.
Requirements
- Proven experience delivering into UK defence programmes, with a strong track record in hardware delivery (or hybrid hardware/software systems) on formal Programmes of Record, ideally across multiple complete delivery cycles.
- Deep, practical knowledge of the UK MoD Acquisition Lifecycle, including the CADMID cycle, Acquisition System Guidance (ASG), and DE&S gated reviews.
- Practical experience leading live trials, field demonstrations, or range tests in rigorous operational defence environments.
- Solid exposure to Defence Safety Case management and environmental qualification standards (e.g., Def Stan 00-035, MIL-STD-810).
- Experience managing complex supply chains, including Tier 1/2 manufacturing partners and hardware subcontractors, with working knowledge of ITAR and UK Export Control Regulations.
- Structured project management methodologies to build and manage detailed schedules, Gantt charts, and risk frameworks in high-accountability engineering environments.
- Active UK Security Clearance (SC), or fully eligible and willing to undergo the UK national security vetting process.
- Fluent in English (written and spoken) and willing to travel regularly across trials, test ranges, and supplier sites.
Nice to Have
- Familiarity with defence procurement structures or government contract environments, gained through supporting bids, proposals, or contract delivery.
- Practical experience applying Agile or hybrid project management methodologies to physical hardware or integrated systems delivery.
- Exposure to Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning technologies, edge computing, or embedded software integration.
- PMP, APM (PMQ), PRINCE2, or equivalent formal project management accreditation.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and VSOP options
- Relocation support: up to €2,500 and 4 weeks temporary accommodation
- Learning: €500/£450 yearly allowance
- Health & wellness: gym membership and mental health support (Nilo.health)
- Social: regularly company events and monthly social allowances
- Enhanced parental leave: 22 weeks fully paid for primary caregivers & 6 weeks for secondary caregivers.
- Family support: 5 days of paid family emergency leave, 100% remote work option during pregnancy and phased return to work