Program Director

Programme Director (Digital Manufacturing) Location: Dartford (3 days per week on-site required) Employment Type: Full-time / Contract Travel Requirements: Minimum 3 days per week travel to Dartford Equipment: Must provide own equipment (BYOD) Role Overview We are seeking a highly proactive, hands-on Programme Director to take complete end-to-end responsibility for our Digital Manufacturing delivery. In this role, you will be wholly accountable for steering large-scale digital transformation initiatives, managing complex delivery ecosystems that combine in-house technical teams and third-party delivery partners. You will combine sharp operational execution with executive-level relationship management, navigating complex stakeholder landscapes and driving alignment across all business functions to ensure flawless execution. Key Responsibilities End-to-End Delivery & Ownership

• Take full, end-to-end accountability for the strategic execution and delivery of digital manufacturing programs valued at £50M+.
• Maintain a visible, hands-on, and proactive leadership style on-site in Dartford to ensure milestone achievement, quality control, and schedule adherence.
• Drive operational efficiency through the implementation and scaling of digital manufacturing technologies and processes. Team & Vendor Management
• Direct, lead, and mentor multi-disciplinary, in-house technical and delivery teams. - Select, manage, and govern third-party vendors, system integrators, and software suppliers, holding them accountable to strict deliverables, quality standards, and KPIs. - Build an integrated, cohesive delivery culture across mixed internal and external resources. Stakeholder Management & Governance
• Act as the primary point of contact for key internal stakeholders, executive sponsors, and cross-functional business partners.
• Manage complex and potentially difficult stakeholder relationships, using strong negotiation and conflict-resolution skills to drive consensus and maintain alignment. - Establish robust governance frameworks, progress reporting, risk mitigation strategies, and financial controls to ensure complete delivery transparency. Key Requirements & Experience Essential Criteria
• Massive-Scale Delivery: Proven track record of taking total ownership for £50M+ transformational programs from business case through to benefit realization. - Transformation Expertise: Demonstrated end-to-end success delivering large-scale, complex technology or business transformation projects.
• Proactive / Hands-on Leadership: A pragmatic leader who gets into the detail when required, driving momentum from the ground up rather than relying solely on delegation. - Stakeholder Management: Exceptional communication skills with a proven capability to manage, influence, and align high-pressure or challenging stakeholders across all levels of an organization.
• On-Site Presence: Willingness and ability to travel to Dartford at least 3 days per week. - Equipment: Ability to provide and operate using your own professional equipment (BYOD setup). Desirable Criteria
• Industry Background: Previous experience within Manufacturing (e.g., Smart Factory, Industry 4.0, Supply Chain Automation) or a top-tier Management Consultancy environment delivering complex operational change. Core Competencies
• Drive & Resilience: Unwavering focus on outcomes despite obstacles, ambiguity, or stakeholder resistance.
• Commercial & Partner Acumen: Expert in contract management, vendor negotiation, and commercial governing mechanisms.
• Strategic Vision & Operational Execution: The ability to connect long-term strategic goals with day-to-day tactical delivery on the factory floor.