Senior Programme Manager - Permanent
Location: London Luton Airport
Working format: Full time - Hybrid working: 3 days onsite, 2 days working from home
Salary: £80,000pa - £85,000pa
Pension: 12% contribution from employer
Annual Leave: 25 days + Bank holidays
Other benefits: Bupa Private Medical Insurance, Life Assurance, Health Cash Plan and more!
Department: Infrastructure
Direct Reports: 2x Project Managers
About the Role
We are seeking a Senior Programme Manager to join London Luton Airports Capital Delivery team. This leadership role is responsible for the end-to-end delivery of a portfolio of small to medium-sized capital projects, typically valued between £250k and £5 million. Projects cover a range of areas including infrastructure, facilities, operations, and enabling works.
You will combine strategic programme oversight with hands-on leadership, ensuring projects are scoped, planned, funded, and delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality and safety standards. Working cross-functionally, you will play a key role in stakeholder engagement, governance assurance, and aligning projects with corporate objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the successful delivery of multiple capital projects, ensuring robust planning, cost control, and timely execution.
Provide senior oversight to Project Managers, ensuring alignment to delivery methodologies, standards, and operational requirements.
Plan resources, programme sequencing, and interdependencies to optimise delivery and minimise disruption.
Report on project progress, risks, issues, and financial performance to the Head of Capital Delivery and internal boards.
Ensure effective governance, compliance with internal controls, approvals processes, and contract management standards.
Support business case development, option appraisals, and investment submissions in collaboration with Finance and Commercial teams.
Lead portfolio-wide risk management and ensure mitigation plans are implemented.
Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including Operations, Safety, Engineering, Procurement, and IT.
Oversee contractor and consultant performance to ensure milestones and contractual obligations are met.
Champion continuous improvement, sharing lessons learned and contributing to the development of delivery frameworks and best practices.
What We're Looking For
Essential:
Significant project/programme management experience in infrastructure or construction, ideally in operational or regulated environments.
Proven record of delivering multiple concurrent capital projects up to £5m.
Strong leadership and team management experience, including managing Project Managers or technical teams.
Deep understanding of project controls, planning, cost management, and governance.
Commercially aware, with experience in contract management (NEC, JCT), procurement, and financial oversight.
Skilled in stakeholder engagement and influencing senior stakeholders.
Experience in risk and change management in live operational environments.
Proficient in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, P6, Power BI, Excel).
Desirable:
Degree in Engineering, Construction, Project Management, or related field.
Professional accreditation (MAPM, PMP, MSP, or equivalent).
Familiarity with development standards and regulated project environments.
Health & Safety qualifications (e.g., SMSTS, IOSH).
Why Join Us? You'll be part of a team delivering high-impact capital projects and shaping the future of operations. We are committed to fostering diversity, equality, and inclusion, ensuring every team member thrives in a respectful and supportive environment