Programme Director

If you’d like to be considered for this opportunity we encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment as if applications are high the role will close before the closing date given.

Programme Director (FMC)

Location: Green Park, Reading & Aldermaston

Working pattern: AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight. We will consider flexible working requests so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle.

READY TO PLAY YOUR PART?

At AWE, it is not just a job, it is far more than that. Our shared purpose is to help keep the nation safe.

Lead One of AWE's Most Transformational Programmes

AWE is recruiting a Programme Director to join our Infrastructure Programme Delivery (IPD) organisation and lead the Future Materials Campus (FMC) programme.

As a key member of the leadership team, this represents one of the most high-profile programme leadership opportunities within AWE, offering the chance to shape critical infrastructure that will underpin AWE's mission for decades to come.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

We do need you to have the following:

• Proven experience leading a major, complex nuclear programme through the early stages of the lifecycle, establishing the foundations for successful delivery.

• Deep understanding of complex nuclear production and operational environments.

• Strong knowledge of nuclear safety case requirements and the ability to balance technical maturity, operational needs and regulatory compliance.

• Experience developing capability and capacity whilst effectively managing risk within a highly regulated environment.

• Demonstrated ability to work with and satisfy the requirements of multiple regulatory authorities.

• Experience of developing and managing industry partnerships to support technology development, innovation and adoption.

• Outstanding leadership skills, with the gravitas and credibility to influence senior stakeholders and successfully lead a strategically important programme.

• Strong strategic thinking, decision-making and stakeholder management capabilities.

Whilst not a tick list, we'd like you to have experience in:

• Formal project or programme management qualification (e.g. APM, MSP, PRINCE2 or equivalent).

• Experience of technology development programmes, including taking technologies from development through to adoption and operational deployment.

• Understanding of UK Government assurance, governance and investment approval arrangements, including Cabinet Office and HM Treasury frameworks.

• Working knowledge of Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA/NISTA) requirements, guidance and assurance processes.

• Familiarity with industry project delivery best practice, including APM guidance and reference materials.

• Experience delivering programmes in complex, highly regulated environments where technical, operational and safety considerations must be balanced.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Lead, shape and manage the execution and delivery of the Programme.

• Full cost and schedule accountability for the Programme.

• Single point accountability for the delivery of the Programme.

• De-conflicting and prioritising scope across the Programme and projects as defined in the Programme Directive (PD).

• Lead, coach and develop leaders and hold them to account and influence across and outside the company.

• Partner with Production Operations, to mitigate production risks, provide clear requirements and ensure on time delivery of quality products to meet mission objectives.

• Partner with the Technical Authority to establish and maintain a robust technical baseline and develop an executable programme plan that meets that baseline.

• Direct counterpart to the Programme Delivery Area lead in the MOD.

• Maintain and promote high personal standards in programme management, risk management, schedule and cost baseline control, environment, safety, health, security and quality and be a great team player.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop strategy and approach to planning of the programme.

• Developing and communicating and management requirements and budgets for internal and external supply chains.

• Participates in the negotiation of contract and contract changes.

• Coordinates the preparation of proposals, business plans, proposal work statements and specifications, operating budgets and financial terms/conditions of contract.

• Acts as primary customer contact for program activities, leading program review sessions with customer to discuss cost, schedule, and technical performance.

• Establishes design concepts, criteria and engineering efforts for product research, development, integration and test.

• Develops new business or expands the product line with the customer.

• Establishes milestones and monitors adherence to master plans and schedules, identifies program problems and obtains solutions, such as allocation of resources or changing contractual specifications.

• Directs the work of employees assigned to the program from technical, manufacturing and administrative areas.

• Manage across enterprise programmes and projects with focus on governance (compliance and reporting).

• Management and balancing of multiple resources across the enterprise (people, money).

• Develop strategy and direct and initiate change against the Performance Measurement Baseline (PMB).

• Define and direct the strategy of risk and opportunity identification across the enterprise programmes and projects.

• The Company may require you to fulfil any other reasonable duties aligned to your position from time to time in line with business needs.

WORK HARD, BE REWARDED

• 9-day working fortnight.
• Market-leading pension scheme.
• Family-friendly policies.
• Professional career development.
• Life assurance.
• Employee Assistance Programme.

Hybrid working is available for this role on an informal, non-contractual basis. (Typically 3 days per 5 day week and 2 days per 4 day week)

NEXT STEPS

We recognise that great people do not always tick every box. If you feel this role and AWE are a great fit, we would love to receive your application.

#LI-TW
 

Next steps:

Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don’t always ‘tick every box’. That’s why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don’t meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we’d love to receive your application.

Important things you need to know:

• We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.
• You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV. 
• We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process.
• Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.

Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions.

Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.