Programme Manager

Ontic, a leading licensor and manufacturer of complex engineering parts for the global aerospace and defence industries, are recruiting for a driven and collaborative Programme Manager to join our Programmes team at our Staverton site. This role is pivotal in managing customer relationships and delivering programme excellence, ensuring 100% On Time Delivery at 100% Quality, every time.

Ontic is more than just a business we're a community of innovators who pride ourselves on fostering a culture where talent thrives, ideas flourish, and careers are built. We're committed to excellence, continuously improving and adapting to remain at the forefront of our industry.

Job Purpose

As Programme Manager, you will act as the primary interface with external customers, coordinating all aspects of allocated programmes. You will be responsible for driving delivery performance, customer satisfaction, and programme profitability.

You may also support new business development activities, including bid development, and provide leadership to Programme Managers and Coordinators where required.

Strategic & Programme Leadership

• Support and help shape the strategic direction for allocated customer accounts

• Lead or oversee New Product Introduction (NPI) programmes and projects

• Drive recovery plans and improvement initiatives for customer programmes

• Undertake projects as directed by the Head of Programmes

Customer & Commercial Management

• Act as the key customer interface, ensuring strong relationships and satisfaction

• Lead Customer Review meetings and ensure timely resolution of issues

• Sign-off and issue customer documentation

• Support commercial negotiations and bid preparation (RFQs/RFPs)

• Maintain market awareness and identify new business opportunities

Programme Delivery & Performance

• Ensure 100% On Time Delivery and 100% Quality across all programmes

• Manage programme budgets, including spend control and authorisation

• Oversee rectification and improvement projects relating to quality or reliability issues

• Ensure accountability for programme profitability and performance

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with internal teams including Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Commercial

• Work closely with the Head of Programmes and Business Development team on growth initiatives

• Manage customer-specific requirements and expectations effectively

Team Leadership (where applicable)

• Provide day-to-day leadership and direction to Programme Managers and/or Coordinators

• Foster a high-performance, collaborative team environment

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Degree qualified or equivalent experience

• Proven programme/project management experience

• Experience managing product or programme development, ideally in aerospace or marine

• Strong understanding of business processes (manufacturing, quality, supply chain)

• Commercially astute with strong business acumen

• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)

• Ability to manage complexity across multiple programmes

• Full UK driving licence

• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally

About You

At Ontic, our culture is integral to how we deliver for our customers. We’re looking for someone who not only brings the right experience but also aligns with our values:

• Integrity - doing the right thing for our stakeholders

• Continuous Improvement - striving for zero defects and raising standards

• Teamwork - collaborating to win as one team

• Innovation - solving problems with creativity and passion

• Common Sense Approach - anticipating risks and acting proactively

Benefits

At Ontic, we care about your financial, physical, and mental wellbeing. Our benefits support what matters most to you and promote a healthy work/life balance.

Our benefits package includes:

• Up to 29 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays

• 10 hours paid volunteering time

• Annual goal share bonus scheme

• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Retail discounts and offers

Best Place to Work

We are more than the sum of our parts—and we’re recognised for it:

• Ranked #9 in Best Companies’ Q3 leaderboard for Best Manufacturing Company

• 72.5% of employees said they are proud to work at Ontic (2023 survey)

We are a fast-paced business with ambitious growth plans; so if you are dedicated, enthusiastic and always seeking ways to improve, you'll enjoy a career with us!