Operations Programme Manager

About the Role

The Operations Programme Manager is a key leadership role responsible for aligning Programme Management objectives with Manufacturing and Production Operations capability. Reporting to the Head of Operations, the role acts as the primary interface between programme teams and production, ensuring customer and business commitments are translated into effective operational plans.

The successful candidate will balance capacity, cost, quality, and schedule requirements to deliver programme milestones, drive operational performance, and support business growth within a complex manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Programme & Operations Integration

• Act as the primary link between Programme Management and Production Operations.
• Translate programme requirements, milestones, and delivery commitments into executable production plans.
• Ensure manufacturing constraints, resource requirements, and operational risks are incorporated into programme planning.
• Provide regular performance, risk, and recovery updates to programme stakeholders.
• Manage stakeholder engagement and escalation processes between operational and programme teams.

Operations Delivery & Performance

• Deliver manufacturing activities safely, on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
• Ensure appropriate resourcing, capability, processes, and tools are in place to meet programme demands.
• Monitor and improve operational performance through KPIs including On-Time Delivery (OTD), yield, capacity utilisation, and cost performance.
• Manage manufacturing risks, resource conflicts, and production bottlenecks across multiple programmes.
• Support business development activities through manufacturing plans, Basis of Estimates (BoEs), and capital investment planning.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead Lean and Six Sigma initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce cycle times.
• Develop and standardise operational processes and SOPs for new programme introductions.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration between Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, and Programme teams.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Required skills, qualifications and experience

Education & Experience

• Degree qualified in Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or a related discipline.
• Experience within manufacturing, production operations, programme management, or a similar operational leadership role.
• Proven ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams within a matrix organisation.

Technical & Operational Competencies

• Strong understanding of MPS, MRP, ERP systems, and capacity planning.
• Commercial and financial awareness, including manufacturing budgets, COGS, and variance analysis.
• Proficient in project and programme management tools such as MS Project, Jira, or equivalent.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate operational data into actionable insights.

Leadership & Behavioural Competencies

• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Ability to lead through influence and deliver results across organisational boundaries.
• Ability to obtain and maintain UK Developed Vetting (DV) Security Clearance.

Desirable

• Experience within Defence, Aerospace, or other highly regulated industries.
• PMP, APM, PRINCE2, or equivalent project/programme management qualification.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience within high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments.

What we offer you

At Lockheed Martin our employees come first and therefore your physical, mental and financial wellbeing matters to us. On top of working in a highly supportive, friendly, respectful environment you can expect so much more.

We are an employer in support of and offering Flexible working with the option to also work a 4 day week depending on business requirements, where you have the option of Fridays off. We offer Competitive salaries alongside a flexible holiday entitlement.

We have a Wealth of benefits available to you that can be selected through our wellbeing tool upon commencement of employment. Just a few of our amazing benefits are shown below:

• Private Medical Insurance
• Competitive Pension
• Dental
• Critical Illness
• Life Assurance
• Travel Insurance
• Employee discounts for top high street shops
• Employee Assistance Program which includes free face to face counseling sessions, Legal advice, Financial advice, etc
• Internal training and development alongside our Education assistance programmes
• Reimbursement for a professional membership
• Competitive policies that support flexibility and family leave inclusive of enhanced maternity leave