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Programme Manager - Job Opportunity at Chess Dynamics Ltd

Horsham, United Kingdom
Full-time
Senior
Posted: July 21, 2025
Hybrid
GBP 65,000-75,000 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive 28-day annual leave package with additional Christmas closure and holiday purchasing scheme providing exceptional work-life balance
Generous pension matching up to 6% demonstrating strong retirement planning support
Premium healthcare benefits including private medical insurance, income protection, and mental health pathway services
Flexible hybrid working arrangements with early Friday finishes supporting modern work preferences
Professional development opportunities with excellent learning programs for career advancement
Financial wellness benefits including employee share incentive plans and salary sacrifice electric vehicle scheme
Comprehensive wellbeing support including gym discounts, wellness apps, and regular social activities
Practical benefits including free on-site parking and bereavement support services
Recognition programs with recruitment referral bonuses and high street discount platforms

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic programme execution managing multiple concurrent projects across internal R&D and external client engagements to deliver revenue, profit and growth targets
Drive business development through proposal planning, detailed cost estimation, and customer relationship management to secure new contracts
Establish robust project governance ensuring compliance with commercial requirements and internal processes through auditable delivery frameworks
Provide executive-level leadership and communication as part of project board organizations, managing stakeholder relationships with customers and strategic partners
Orchestrate cross-functional collaboration with engineering leads and department heads to ensure technical excellence and resource optimization
Drive strategic resource planning and forecasting working with Programme Director and Engineering Management to anticipate future operational needs
Lead consolidated programme reporting and risk management, escalating critical issues to senior leadership for resolution
Manage and develop high-performing project management teams through recruitment, training, and performance leadership
Partner with Finance Management on revenue trading plans, cash-flow optimization, and margin protection through proactive recovery actions

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, project management or related field (desirable)

Experience

Background in engineering development, particularly of complex systems and projects ideally within defence or aerospace industry

Required Skills

Recognised project management qualification Experience of leading and guiding high performing teams to operate within an agile, fast-paced and collaborative working culture Experience of working and delivering within a continuous improvement environment Strong commercial acumen Experience of creating and maintaining project plans using Microsoft Project Experience in working with and managing international stakeholders Strong presentation skills Active listening skills and analytical skills Ability to develop strategies and organise tasks Leadership and interpersonal skills Working in a fast-paced environment

Certifications

Recognised project management qualification UK Security Clearance (mandatory requirement) Valid driving licence and passport for UK and international travel
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Industry Trends

The defence and aerospace sector is experiencing significant modernization driven by geopolitical tensions and technological advancement, creating increased demand for complex systems integration and programme management expertise. Digital transformation initiatives are reshaping project delivery methodologies, requiring leaders who can navigate both traditional engineering processes and agile development approaches. Growing emphasis on international collaboration in defence projects is driving demand for programme managers with cross-border stakeholder management experience. The UK's strategic defence partnerships and export opportunities are creating complex multi-national programmes requiring sophisticated coordination capabilities. Cybersecurity considerations and compliance requirements are becoming increasingly critical in defence programme management, with security clearance requirements becoming standard across the industry. This is creating a specialized talent pool and premium compensation for cleared professionals.

Salary Evaluation

The offered range of £65,000-£75,000 is competitive for the UK defence sector, representing strong market positioning for a senior programme management role. This aligns with industry standards for complex systems programme management in the aerospace and defence sector, particularly given the security clearance requirements and international stakeholder management responsibilities.

Role Significance

Typically managing 3-8 project managers with indirect leadership over 20-50+ technical staff across multiple concurrent projects, representing significant people leadership responsibility in a matrix organization structure.
This is a senior leadership position with significant strategic impact, managing multiple concurrent projects and reporting directly to Programme Director level. The role carries executive responsibility for profit and loss, resource allocation, and strategic customer relationships, positioning it as a key leadership role within the organization's hierarchy.

Key Projects

Complex defence systems integration projects involving radar, surveillance, and tracking technologies International defence technology transfer programmes requiring multi-national coordination Internal R&D initiatives developing next-generation defence capabilities Strategic customer programmes for government and defence prime contractors

Success Factors

Exceptional stakeholder management capabilities across technical, commercial, and government stakeholders, requiring diplomatic skills and technical credibility to navigate complex defence procurement environments. Success depends on building trust with customers while maintaining commercial objectives and technical excellence. Strategic business acumen combined with deep technical understanding of complex systems development, enabling effective translation between engineering realities and commercial requirements. The ability to balance technical risk with commercial opportunity is critical for programme success. Adaptive leadership style capable of managing both traditional waterfall project methodologies common in defence contracting and agile approaches increasingly demanded by modern development timelines. Success requires flexibility in applying appropriate methodologies based on project context. Robust risk management and commercial awareness skills essential for maintaining programme profitability while delivering technically complex solutions. The ability to anticipate and mitigate risks while protecting margins is fundamental to role success.

Market Demand

High demand driven by increased defence spending, complex international programmes, and the specialized nature of security-cleared programme management talent in the UK market.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Project management certification and methodology expertise is fundamental given the complex, multi-phase nature of defence programmes requiring rigorous planning, risk management, and stakeholder coordination. Professional certification demonstrates credibility with customers and provides structured approach to programme delivery. Commercial acumen and P&L management capability is essential as the role carries direct responsibility for programme profitability and business performance. Understanding of contract structures, margin management, and commercial risk is critical for sustainable business success. Leadership and team development skills are crucial given the responsibility for managing project managers and influencing cross-functional teams. The ability to develop high-performing teams while maintaining delivery focus is fundamental to programme success. Stakeholder management and communication excellence is vital for managing complex relationships across customers, partners, and internal teams. The defence sector requires particularly strong relationship management given the long-term nature of programmes and regulatory environment.

Beneficial Skills

Agile methodology expertise increasingly valuable as defence sector adopts modern development approaches, providing competitive advantage in programme delivery efficiency and customer satisfaction International business experience and cultural awareness beneficial for expanding global defence market opportunities and managing complex multi-national programmes Digital transformation and systems integration knowledge valuable as defence systems become increasingly software-defined and interconnected Business development and proposal writing skills provide career advancement opportunities into commercial leadership roles within the defence sector

Unique Aspects

Security clearance requirement creates exclusive talent pool and enhanced job security within the defence sector, providing long-term career stability and specialized expertise development
International stakeholder management requirement offers unique exposure to global defence markets and cross-cultural programme management experience, valuable for career advancement in the defence sector
Combination of internal R&D and external client projects provides diverse experience across innovation and delivery, offering comprehensive programme management exposure
Direct involvement in proposal development and customer relationship management provides valuable business development experience typically not available in pure delivery roles

Career Growth

Typical progression to Programme Director level within 3-5 years, with potential advancement to executive leadership roles within 5-8 years based on programme delivery success and business development contributions.

Potential Next Roles

Programme Director positions overseeing larger portfolios and strategic business units Business Development Director roles focusing on strategic customer relationship management Operations Director positions with broader P&L responsibility Chief Operating Officer roles in mid-size defence technology companies

Company Overview

Chess Dynamics Ltd

Chess Dynamics Ltd is a specialized UK-based defence technology company focusing on surveillance, tracking, and imaging systems for military and security applications. The company operates in the high-technology defence sector, developing sophisticated radar and optical systems for domestic and international customers including government agencies and defence prime contractors.

Established player in the UK defence technology sector with strong reputation for innovation in surveillance and tracking systems. The company maintains a competitive position through specialized technical capabilities and security-cleared workforce, serving both domestic and international defence markets.
Strategic location in Horsham provides access to the broader South East England defence corridor while maintaining operational efficiency. The location offers strong transport links for customer access and proximity to key UK defence establishments and contractors.
Engineering-focused culture emphasizing technical excellence, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving typical of specialized defence technology companies. The emphasis on company values of teamwork, integrity, excellence, and courage suggests a mission-driven environment with strong ethical standards and professional development focus.
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