Programme Manager

About Us:At MacTaggart Scott, we've been engineering innovative solutions for the Naval Defence industry since 1898. We deliver end-to-end support from design and manufacture to commissioning and life-cycle management, for some of the UK's most complex defence programmes.We're proud of our heritage but focused on the future. Continuous improvement, innovation, and developing our people are at the heart of everything we do.About the Role:We are looking for an experienced Programme Manager to lead a portfolio of complex engineering projects within our Projects department. This is a pivotal leadership role, responsible for ensuring the successful delivery of programmes through effective planning, governance, and stakeholder engagement.You'll manage and mentor a team of Project Managers and Project Coordinators, ensuring adherence to best practice processes while driving performance and continuous improvement. The role also involves close collaboration with customers, internal stakeholders, and cross-functional teams to achieve successful project outcomes.This is a role requiring minimal supervision, offering the opportunity to shape delivery excellence across some of the most advanced engineering programmes in the defence sector.Key Responsibilities:Lead and oversee a portfolio of projects, ensuring delivery to schedule, budget, and quality targetsLine-manage and mentor Project Managers and Project Coordinators, supporting their professional growth and performanceEnsure team adherence to departmental and business processes, promoting consistency and complianceProvide direct project management support as required, including cover for Project ManagersMaintain accurate schedules, budgets, and forecasts with support from the Finance teamManage contract variations, risk registers, and change control processes across projectsLead customer engagement, acting as the primary escalation point for your programme portfolioOversee invoicing and financial reporting, ensuring all customer billing aligns with contractual termsSupport bids and proposal activity by reviewing scope, schedule, and cost to ensure smooth transition into executionRepresent the department at internal and external meetings - including contract reviews, S&OP, and steering groups and deputise for the Head of Project Management where requiredPromote a culture of continuous improvement within the Projects function RequirementsAbout You:You're a confident, strategic leader who thrives in a fast-paced technical environment. You combine commercial awareness with strong communication and leadership skills, and you know how to motivate teams to deliver complex projects successfully.Essential Skills & Experience:Proven experience managing multiple projects or programmes within engineering, manufacturing, or defence environmentsDemonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop project teamsStrong commercial awareness with experience managing budgets, forecasts, and financial reportingExcellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skillsAbility to manage change, mitigate risks, and resolve issues across projectsExperience working with overseas customers and suppliersStrong understanding of project governance, risk management, and schedule controlProficient in Microsoft Office and experienced with ERP/MRP or equivalent systemsAbility to meet UK MoD security clearance requirementsWillingness to travel domestically and internationally as requiredDesirable Skills:APMP, APMQ, or equivalent project management qualificationExperience in the naval or defence industryFamiliarity with earned value management and performance metricsExperience leading departmental or process improvement initiativesQualifications:Essential: City & Guilds, Scotvec, Degree, or equivalent academic qualificationDesirable: APMP or equivalent project management certificationWhy Join Us:At MacTaggart Scott, you'll have the opportunity to lead strategically significant defence projects that make a real impact. You'll work alongside expert engineers and project professionals in a company that values innovation, integrity, and collaboration.Apply today and play a key role in driving the success of some of the UK's most advanced naval defence programmes.BenefitsYour future And What We OfferFlexible Working: Choose a 4- or 5-day week with flexible hours (07:00-19:00, core hours 09:30-15:30)Career Development: Ongoing training and clear pathways to senior rolesWellbeing Support: Access to our wellbeing programme, Employee Assistance Programme, and onsite nurseOnsite Facilities: Free parking, canteen, and a supportive L&D team environment