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Programme Manager - Job Opportunity at Thompson Aero Seating

Banbridge, United Kingdom
Full-time
Senior
Posted: May 26, 2025
On-site
£55,000 - £75,000 per year based on senior-level programme management role in aerospace manufacturing sector in Northern Ireland, with potential for performance bonuses and comprehensive benefits package adding 15-20% additional value

Benefits

Competitive contributory salary sacrifice pension scheme providing enhanced retirement planning options and tax advantages compared to standard workplace pensions
Comprehensive cycle to work scheme offering significant tax savings and promoting sustainable commuting with full equipment support
Discounted gym membership as part of holistic wellbeing initiatives demonstrating company investment in employee health and work-life balance
Substantial £5,000 employee referral programme reflecting company's commitment to quality hiring and rewarding employee networks
Generous 33-day annual leave entitlement with service-based increases exceeding UK market standards
Flexible working arrangements with 37.5-hour week and flexi-time supporting work-life integration
Comprehensive health cash plan providing immediate healthcare cost support
Enhanced maternity and paternity pay packages demonstrating family-friendly employment practices
Progressive IVF and assisted conception policy showing commitment to diverse family planning needs
Life assurance at 4x gross salary providing substantial financial security
Professional development through Women in Business membership and structured learning opportunities
Employee recognition scheme with long service awards fostering retention and career loyalty

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic customer relationship management with world-leading airlines, positioning as primary liaison for high-value programme delivery and future business development opportunities
Direct integrated project teams through complete programme lifecycle from award to delivery, ensuring cross-functional collaboration drives successful customer requirement realization
Orchestrate complex stakeholder management across internal and external partners, facilitating critical decision-making processes that impact programme success and organizational strategic objectives
Execute comprehensive programme financial management including Non-Recurring Cost milestone payments and Recurring Cost budget oversight to ensure profitability and financial discipline
Implement advanced programme management methodologies including change management, risk assessment, opportunity identification, and lessons learned integration to drive continuous improvement
Facilitate high-stakes international meetings with customers and OEMs, managing critical information flow and ensuring timely decision execution supporting programme schedules
Drive conflict resolution and priority management across competing programme demands while maintaining stakeholder satisfaction and programme integrity
Deliver measurable results against internal KPIs that directly support business strategic goals and competitive positioning in aerospace seating market

Requirements

Education

Degree level education, ideally in Engineering, Science, Business or related subject

Experience

5 years' experience in project/programme management role with relevant project/programme management or equivalent experience

Required Skills

Strong, proven skills in customer management Teamwork capabilities Negotiation expertise Decision-making abilities Ability to multi-task and operate in fast-paced, high-pressure environment Excellent organisational skills Excellent internal and external communication and presentation skills Ability to take initiative and work with minimum supervision Proficient in Microsoft Office Experience in budgeting and Profit & Loss management Experience in manufacturing and/or aerospace environment Basic understanding of Material Requirements Planning (MRP) and Master Production Schedules (MPS)

Certifications

Formal Programme Management qualification from bodies such as PRINCE2 or APM
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The aerospace industry is experiencing unprecedented growth in passenger aircraft orders driven by post-pandemic recovery and emerging market expansion, creating substantial demand for premium cabin seating solutions. This trend particularly benefits companies like Thompson Aero Seating who specialize in business and first-class seating where airlines are investing heavily to differentiate their premium offerings and capture high-yield passengers. Digital transformation in aerospace manufacturing is driving the adoption of advanced programme management tools and methodologies, with companies increasingly requiring programme managers who can integrate traditional project management with digital workflows, real-time data analytics, and collaborative platforms to manage complex international supply chains and customer relationships. Sustainability initiatives in aviation are reshaping seating design and manufacturing requirements, with airlines demanding lighter, more environmentally friendly cabin solutions. This creates new programme management challenges around sustainable material sourcing, lifecycle assessment integration, and meeting evolving regulatory requirements while maintaining cost competitiveness and delivery schedules.

Role Significance

Leadership of cross-functional Integrated Project Teams typically comprising 8-15 professionals including engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and commercial specialists, with matrix management responsibilities across multiple departments and external stakeholder coordination
Senior individual contributor role with significant autonomy and strategic impact, reporting likely to senior management or programme director level, responsible for multi-million pound programme delivery and direct customer relationship ownership with major international airlines

Key Projects

Premium cabin seating programme delivery for major international carriers including business class and first class seat installations New aircraft variant seating programmes requiring custom design integration and certification processes Retrofit and upgrade programmes for existing airline fleets seeking cabin enhancement and passenger experience improvements Multi-year framework agreements with airline customers involving ongoing seat supply and support services

Success Factors

Exceptional stakeholder management capabilities enabling effective coordination between airline customers, OEM partners, and internal cross-functional teams while maintaining programme momentum and resolving competing priorities through diplomatic negotiation and strategic communication Financial acumen combining programme budget management, cost control, and profitability analysis with the ability to make real-time decisions balancing customer satisfaction, delivery commitments, and business objectives in a high-stakes environment Aerospace industry expertise providing deep understanding of certification processes, regulatory requirements, manufacturing constraints, and customer operational needs specific to airline cabin equipment and passenger safety standards Crisis management and adaptability skills essential for managing programme disruptions, supply chain challenges, customer requirement changes, and technical issues while maintaining delivery commitments and customer relationships

Market Demand

High demand driven by aerospace industry recovery, limited pool of experienced aerospace programme managers, and Thompson Aero Seating's position in premium cabin seating market requiring specialized customer relationship management skills

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Customer relationship management skills are paramount as the role serves as primary liaison with major airline customers, requiring exceptional interpersonal abilities, cultural awareness, and the diplomatic skills necessary to manage high-value, high-visibility programmes where customer satisfaction directly impacts future business opportunities and company reputation Programme management expertise combining formal methodologies with practical aerospace industry application, including the ability to coordinate complex technical programmes involving multiple stakeholders, manage financial budgets, and deliver results within strict timeline and quality constraints while adapting to changing customer requirements and market conditions Financial management capabilities encompassing both programme budgeting and P&L understanding, essential for making sound business decisions that balance customer satisfaction with profitability, manage cost pressures, and contribute to overall business performance through effective resource allocation and financial discipline

Beneficial Skills

Aerospace industry background providing valuable context for understanding customer operational requirements, regulatory constraints, and technical challenges specific to airline cabin equipment and passenger safety standards Advanced project management certifications such as PRINCE2 or APM demonstrating commitment to professional development and providing structured methodologies for managing complex programmes Manufacturing and supply chain experience offering practical understanding of production constraints, quality requirements, and cost management challenges in high-tech manufacturing environments

Unique Aspects

Direct customer interface with world-leading airlines providing exposure to global aviation industry trends and strategic decision-making processes
International programme management scope requiring cultural sensitivity and global business acumen
Premium product focus demanding high-quality standards and attention to detail in programme execution
Integration of complex technical requirements with customer commercial objectives and regulatory compliance

Career Growth

3-5 years to senior programme management roles, 5-8 years to director level positions with demonstrated success in programme delivery, customer relationship development, and business growth contribution

Potential Next Roles

Senior Programme Manager overseeing multiple concurrent programmes and customer portfolios Programme Director with P&L responsibility for business unit or market segment Customer Account Director managing strategic airline relationships across multiple product lines Business Development Manager leveraging programme management experience for new market development

Company Overview

Thompson Aero Seating

Thompson Aero Seating is a leading global designer and manufacturer of premium airline seating solutions, specializing in business class and first class passenger seats for commercial aviation. The company operates as part of the broader aerospace supply chain, working directly with major airlines and aircraft manufacturers to deliver custom seating solutions that enhance passenger experience while meeting strict aviation safety and certification requirements.

Established player in the premium airline seating market competing with global aerospace suppliers, known for innovative design and customer-focused programme delivery, serving major international carriers and maintaining long-term customer relationships through effective programme management and technical excellence
Northern Ireland operations provide strategic access to UK and European markets while benefiting from regional aerospace manufacturing expertise and government support for high-tech manufacturing, with Banbridge location offering access to skilled workforce and proximity to Belfast's aerospace cluster
Engineering-focused culture emphasizing technical excellence, customer service, and programme delivery discipline, with international outlook requiring regular customer interaction and travel, supported by comprehensive employee benefits and professional development opportunities reflecting company investment in talent retention
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