Programme Manager – Land
About this role
Helsing needs a capable leader to keep complex defence programmes on schedule and maintain alignment among technical teams, partners, and customers. This role exists to navigate the strict requirements of UK defence procurement while bridging engineering capabilities with commercial objectives.
The incoming manager will coordinate cross-functional engineering, commercial, and operational functions to deliver integrated systems within the Land domain. Ideal candidates bring structured project management experience combined with familiarity in hardware delivery and defence safety standards.
What you will do
- Manage end-to-end technical programme delivery using structured project management techniques, master schedules, and milestone tracking.
- Navigate Ministry of Defence gated review processes, ensuring all qualification and contractual criteria are met.
- Plan and lead live customer trials, range tests, and field demonstrations while coordinating operational logistics and safety protocols.
- Oversee Safety Case management and qualification testing workflows to maintain compliance with environmental standards.
- Supervise Tier 1 and Tier 2 hardware subcontractors and fabrication partners while adhering to export control regulations.
- Maintain risk and opportunity registers to surface supply chain bottlenecks early and execute structured mitigation actions.
- Provide clear, data-driven technical progress reporting and dashboards to senior leadership and technical customer counterparts.
What you need
- Demonstrate proven experience delivering into UK defence programmes with a strong track record in hardware or hybrid hardware-software systems.
- Possess deep practical knowledge of the UK Ministry of Defence Acquisition Lifecycle, including the CADMID cycle and DE&S gated reviews.
- Show practical experience leading live trials, field demonstrations, or range tests in operational defence environments.
- Have solid exposure to Defence Safety Case management and environmental qualification standards such as Def Stan 00-035 and MIL-STD-810.
- Bring experience managing complex supply chains and hardware subcontractors alongside working knowledge of ITAR and UK Export Control Regulations.
- Hold an active UK Security Clearance or show full eligibility and willingness to undergo the national security vetting process.
- Communicate fluently in written and spoken English and remain willing to travel regularly across trial, test range, and supplier sites.
Nice to have
- Familiarity with defence procurement structures or government contract environments gained through supporting bids and proposals
- Practical experience applying Agile or hybrid project management methodologies to physical hardware or integrated systems
- Exposure to artificial intelligence, machine learning technologies, edge computing, or embedded software integration
- Formal project management accreditation such as PMP, APM, or PRINCE2
Benefits
- Competitive salary and VSOP options
- Relocation support up to €2,500 and 4 weeks temporary accommodation
- Learning allowance of £450 yearly
- Gym membership and mental health support via Nilo.health
- Enhanced parental leave of 22 weeks fully paid for primary caregivers and 6 weeks for secondary caregivers
- Family support including 5 days of paid family emergency leave and a 100% remote work option during pregnancy
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What is the remote work policy for this position?
The posting notes a 100% remote work option during pregnancy and phased return to work, but also mentions regular travel to trials, test ranges, and supplier sites.
What security clearance is required to apply?
Candidates must hold an active UK Security Clearance or be fully eligible and willing to undergo the UK national security vetting process.
What kind of safety and compliance standards will I work with?
The role oversees Safety Case management and qualification testing workflows ensuring compliance with standards such as Def Stan 00-035 and MIL-STD-810.
What support is available for relocation?
The company offers relocation support of up to €2,500 along with 4 weeks of temporary accommodation.