Discover Eaton Wimborne – Where Advanced Technology Fuels Global Defence Innovation At our Wimborne site, formerly Cobham Mission Systems and now proudly part of the Eaton portfolio, we're redefining what’s possible in aerospace and defence. With a 1,000-strong team and a legacy of engineering precision, we design and manufacture world-class air-to-air refuelling systems and actuation solutions (weapons carriage) that support some of the most critical missions on the planet.
This is no ordinary facility. It’s a high-tech centre of excellence harnessing AI, machine learning, integrated testing, and next-generation systems to create equipment trusted by governments and defence forces worldwide. From concept to deployment, everything we do is driven by cutting-edge technology and an unwavering commitment to safety, performance, and progress.
But it’s not just about the tech—it’s about people. We believe in developing careers, not just job titles. From early talent to experienced specialists, we foster an environment where curiosity is fuelled, achievements are recognised, and growth is built into the journey.
Please note: As a defence site, we operate under ITAR regulations and all applicants must be eligible for UK Security Clearance.
Flexible working solutions are available, depending on phases of project work.
In this role, you will be responsible for leading an exciting, large and complex programme for one of the world’s major aerospace companies.
It is a business critical, strategic programme that requires a high level of programme management maturity liaising with both the customer and internal personnel at a senior level. The purpose of the programme is to deliver newly FAA certified AAR refuelling pods by overcoming both technical and commercial challenges, achieving this in a cross-matrix organisation.
To support these deliveries, the Senior Programme Manager has responsibility for the day to day running of a project team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Deliver project to agreed time, cost and quality parameters.
- Direct, motivate and provide leadership for the project team.
- Organise, coordinate and direct the project activities.
- Manage risks, issues and opportunities proactively.
- Effective & open communication across the team and with stakeholders.
- Lead the project teams planning efforts and identify resource requirements based on agreed scope.
- Guide the project team to successfully manage, tracking, update and report on progress and or variance on all aspects of the Project to include financials (EAC), project plans (IMS), work breakdown structures (WBS), project risk registers.
- Adhere to all project governance requirements (internal phase reviews).
- Seek to minimise the effects of change ‘scope creep’.
- Meet the employer’s legal duties and take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions.
- Ensure sensitive data is shared, both internally and externally, in line with Eaton’s policy.
- Minimum of 5 years' experience working within a cross-functional Integrated Project Team (IPT).
- Proven ability to manage and maintain senior-level customer relationships.
- Confident and experienced in engaging, influencing, and presenting to senior internal stakeholders on a daily basis.
- Advanced leadership and team management skills.
- Results-oriented, with the ability to balance project objectives, team dynamics, and individual needs to achieve optimal outcomes.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including communication, motivation, negotiation, and persuasion.
- Demonstrates drive, enthusiasm, initiative, and a commitment to continuous professional development.
- Methodical and highly organized, with strong conceptual thinking skills and the ability to understand and manage complex issues.
- Effective facilitator and mediator, capable of resolving conflict and building consensus.
- Proven ability to coach and develop team members, improving capability and performance.
- Strong commercial awareness and contractual knowledge.
- Extensive knowledge of project management principles, methodologies, and best practices.
- Demonstrated experience managing complex projects involving similar functions and technologies, with a proven track record of successful delivery.
- Holds a recognized Project Management qualification (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2, APM, or equivalent).
- Proven track record of delivering challenging project milestones within budget and schedule constraints.
- Proficient in developing and maintaining project plans using Microsoft Project.
- Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to facilitate engagement and drive resolution of day-to-day project issues.
- Demonstrated ability to identify, assess, document, and manage project risks.
- Strong understanding of the product lifecycle and its application within project delivery environments.
What We Offer:
- Competitive compensation and benefits package
- Challenging projects in dynamic collaborative team
- We make your aspirations matter – Eaton encourages internal promotion, whenever possible
- We make your growth matter - We invest in our employees for the long term – not just with salary and benefits, but with ongoing learning and development opportunities made available through Eaton University
- We make your contributions matter - reliability, safety, efficiency, and sustainability are at the core of our dedication to improving people’s lives and the environment through power management technologies.
The successful applicant will be in contact with US ITAR controlled technology, goods and information. As a condition of employment, employees with access to US ITAR controlled technology and goods may be required to undergo an additional screening process as part of the recruitment process.
All positions may require participation in video and in-person interviews as part of the hiring process. All candidates will be evaluated based on job-related competencies, and all candidates’ privacy rights and data security will be protected in accordance with applicable laws.
We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for job applicants and employees. Our recruitment processes use balanced selection criteria and avoid unlawful discrimination against applicants on the basis of their age, colour, disability, marital status, national origin, gender, gender identity, genetic information, race or racial origin, religion, sexual orientation or any other status protected or required by law.
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