Job Description

Role: Engineering Programme Manager
Location: Yeovil onsite, some hybrid work possible
Role Type: 6 months - initially
Salary: Up to 80 an hour, depending on experience
Overview:
Our globally renowned aerospace client delivers key defence programmes such as the E-7 Airborne Early Warning and Control, P-8A Maritime Patrol Aircraft, C4ISTAR Services, and through-life sustainment for the Chinook and Apache fleets. Operating at the forefront of the defence sector, our client provides an innovative, fast-paced environment that values collaboration, creativity, and quality. The organisation promotes flexible working, a strong work-life balance, and continuous learning through initiatives such as their Learning Together programme, supporting both professional and personal development.
Role Summary:
Our client is seeking an experienced and dynamic leader with a strong background in Aerospace Engineering and programme management to drive the development and continual improvement of its Engineering Management System (EMS). The EMS underpins the delivery of safe, compliant, and technically robust engineering solutions across multiple domains and regulatory frameworks. This senior-level position, reporting to the Head of Safety, Airworthiness and Speciality Engineering, combines technical expertise with leadership, governance, and process management responsibilities. The role may be undertaken full-time or part-time and will involve some UK and international travel.
Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Strategy: Develop and execute strategies to ensure effective technical compliance and governance across all the client's engineering activities. Manage project plans, schedules, baselines, and deliverables related to the EMS.
• Governance & Process Development: Lead the implementation of a unified engineering governance framework and coordinate the development of engineering processes, manuals, and tools.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to deliver coherent, practical solutions aligned with both client's enterprise standards and UK-specific requirements.
• Training & Development: Identify and address skills gaps by working with department heads to ensure effective training programmes.
• Performance Management: Establish and maintain key engineering metrics for performance monitoring, continuous improvement, and risk management.
• Collaboration: Build strong working relationships across quality, safety, and engineering teams to ensure integrated and compliant operations.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Proven ability to lead complex engineering projects, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and manage performance through measurable metrics.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence effectively across a large organisation.
• Demonstrated experience in systems engineering, including requirements management, integration, verification, validation, and change control.
• Experience in driving continuous improvement and an understanding of quality assurance principles.
• Proficiency in IT systems and tools, with the ability to work collaboratively across geographically dispersed teams.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Professional registration or working towards registration with an engineering institution.
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with the ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment.

Note: Sadly, sponsorship cannot be provided.
Anthony Howson
Account Manager Defence & Aerospace
+44 (0) 3300272793

Skills Required