About the role
We’re seeking an Operations Programme Manager to join our team based in Ampthill, Bedfordshire.
The Operations Programme Manager is a key leadership role, responsible for aligning Programme Management objectives with Manufacturing and Production Operations capability. Reporting to the Head of Operations, the role acts as the primary interface between programme teams and production, ensuring customer and business commitments are translated into effective operational plans.
The successful candidate will balance capacity, cost, quality, and schedule requirements to deliver programme milestones, drive operational performance, and support business growth within a complex manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Programme & Operations Integration
- Act as the primary link between Programme Management and Production Operations.
- Translate programme requirements, milestones, and delivery commitments into executable production plans.
- Ensure manufacturing constraints, resource requirements, and operational risks are incorporated into programme planning.
- Provide regular performance, risk, and recovery updates to programme stakeholders.
- Manage stakeholder engagement and escalation processes between operational and programme teams.
Operations Delivery & Performance
- Deliver manufacturing activities safely, on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
- Ensure appropriate resourcing, capability, processes, and tools are in place to meet programme demands.
- Monitor and improve operational performance through KPIs including On-Time Delivery (OTD), yield, capacity utilisation, and cost performance.
- Manage manufacturing risks, resource conflicts, and production bottlenecks across multiple programmes.
- Support business development activities through manufacturing plans, Basis of Estimates (BoEs), and capital investment planning.
Continuous Improvement
- Lead Lean and Six Sigma initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce cycle times.
- Develop and standardise operational processes and SOPs for new programme introductions.
- Drive cross-functional collaboration between Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, and Programme teams.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Required skills, qualifications and experience
Education & Experience
- Degree qualified in Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or a related discipline.
- Experience within manufacturing, production operations, programme management, or a similar operational leadership role.
- Proven ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams within a matrix organisation.
Technical & Operational Competencies
- Strong understanding of MPS, MRP, ERP systems, and capacity planning.
- Commercial and financial awareness, including manufacturing budgets, COGS, and variance analysis.
- Proficient in project and programme management tools such as MS Project, Jira, or equivalent.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate operational data into actionable insights.
Leadership & Behavioural Competencies
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Ability to lead through influence and deliver results across organisational boundaries.
- Ability to obtain and maintain UK Developed Vetting (DV) Security Clearance.
Desired Skills
- Experience within Defence, Aerospace, or other highly regulated industries.
- PMP, APM, PRINCE2, or equivalent project/programme management qualification.
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
- Experience within high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments.