Programme Manager

About the role

We are currently recruiting a Programme Manager to join QinetiQ Target Systems (QTS) within our Business Delivery Team.  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.

QTS targets are used to enable realistic weapons test and evaluation and operator training in over 40 countries worldwide, with QTS providing a complete managed service in over 15 of these countries.

What will I be doing?

Reporting directly to the Vice President, you will have direct responsibility for leading a significant cross-functional project, initially focusing on evolving our current Aerial Target technology into broader Unmanned Systems applications.

Over time, you may also be asked to lead projects across the wider business, and the role has the potential to take on leadership responsibility for a small team, in line with business growth.

Duties will include:

• Management of one or more QTS internal and / or external complex projects, ensuring that the projects meet time, cost, and quality expectations.
• Developing, and managing changes, in project scopes and objectives, involving all relevant stakeholders, and ensuring technical feasibility.
• Developing and maintaining detailed project plans to track progress, performing risk management, and escalating issues to senior management, as necessary.
• Coordinating internal resources, and third parties / suppliers, for the successful execution of projects.
• Ensuring resource availability and allocation, working with other Project Managers to deconflict and prioritise as necessary, to meet business needs.
• Measuring project performance using appropriate systems, tools, and techniques.
• Managing relationships with customers and other stakeholders, as required.
• Ensuring that other applicable company processes are followed (e.g. Engineering Design).
• Working with local peers and Programme Management leaders in the wider Group to implement and improve Project Management tools and processes in QTS UK.
• Working with other leaders to improve the interfaces between Project Management, Commercial, and the Technical Functions, within the business.
• Providing support to Bids and Business Case Development.
• Supporting and mentoring others taking on project management activities, including Project Engineers and Account Managers.

What do I need?

You will have a minimum of 5 years Project Management experience in a relevant industry, including the management of a medium to large project.  You will also hold a project management qualification (APM, Prince 2, or similar).

You should have demonstrable experience of project scheduling, cost control, and technical performance measurement, leading to required project outcomes.

Previous experience of working within an aviation or weaponry-related industry, together with knowledge of Unmanned Aerial target systems, would be advantageous; as would a background in product design and manufacturing.

We also ask that you:

• Possess strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Are comfortable working in a complex corporate structure, with many internal stakeholders.
• Have the ability to turn complex requirements into simple and achievable plans.
• Can operate autonomously and reactively to changing requirements.
• Show enthusiasm and commitment to the role.
• Possess good IT skills, including competence in using MS Project, and the MS office suite.
• Are calm, and able to work well under pressure.
• Possess excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Are an excellent team player, with the ability to support and mentor more junior staff.

Please note that all applicants must be eligible for SC clearance:  UKSV National Security Vetting Solution: guidance for applicants - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

What else do I need to know?

Joining QinetiQ offers you an opportunity to work on a broad range of exciting defence-based projects, with vast career progression across a global organisation, in addition to competitive personal and professional benefits. 

You’ll receive a competitive salary and benefits package: our basic salaries are very attractive, as we constantly review what’s happening in the market.

The range of benefits we offer include adaptive and flexible / hybrid working, ample holiday entitlements, generous employer pension contributions, enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay, and the ability to purchase discounted Health Cash Plans, Private Medical Insurance, and Dental Insurance, plus much more.