Senior Programme Manager

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.