Programme Director NPI
Date: Mar 23, 2026
Location: Birmingham, GB Bristol, GB Luton, GB East Cowes, GB
Company: GKN Aerospace Careers
Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.
GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn.in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.
Job Summary
GKN Aerospace is a global engineering business. Every time you travel by air almost anywhere in the world, it is likely that GKN is helping you on your way. We design, manufacture and service systems and components for original equipment manufacturers around the world. We are continuously evolving, pioneering new technologies and reinventing existing ones, stretching ourselves to be better in everything we do.
The Programme Director – NPI, plays a critical leadership role in the successful delivery of NPI programmes within the Defence Business Line. The role is responsible for the leadership and oversight of Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) delivering NPI programmes that require significant development activity spanning concept to completion of prototype / product development, qualification and certification, acting within a PMO framework.
The role requires:
• Leadership and oversight of NPI programme execution where you will be accountable for the successful execution of prototype and product development programmes (LG3-LG7) in line with the business case and contractual requirements;
• Ensuring NPI programme adherence to Life Cycle Management (LCM) governance and Programme Management Office (PMO) processes;
• Focused coaching and support of Programme Managers (PMs) and Programme Support Officers (PSOs) throughout the development life cycle, where they will be accountable for the successful execution of contracts in line with the business case and contractual requirements;
• Specific ‘hands on’ programme execution, if required on ‘red’ programmes;
• Smooth handover / transition of products at LG7 to the site Programme Director (PD) responsible for serial production
This is a hybrid role, offering a blend of home working and on‑site to support business needs. The position requires regular travel to our UK locations: Global Technology Centre in Bristol and our manufacturing facilities in Luton and East Cowes (Isle of Wight). The role also includes international travel, primarily to Defence sites across Europe (typically once per month). Occasional travel to the USA is required—usually once per quarter. Additional customer visits may be required in line with business requirements.
Key Accountabilities
Strategic Leadership & Governance
• Support the definition and implementation of NPI programme and customer strategies aligned with Defence BL objectives
• Monitor and ensure adherence to NPI programme governance structures
• Provide input to opportunity evaluations and strategic decision-making related to new product initiatives
Programme Delivery & Oversight
• Lead and provide oversight to IPTs to ensure the successful execution of NPI programmes (LG3 – 7) in line with business case and contractual requirements;
• Chair monthly BR4 programme reviews, provide monthly C5/BR6 reports to internal stakeholders and support external stakeholder reviews including customer Programme Management Reviews (PMRs);
• Ensure adherence to LCM governance and PMO processes including the effective management of risks, opportunities and change;
• Coach PMs and PSOs on programme management essentials needed to successfully deliver NPI programmes
Continuous Improvement & Performance Monitoring
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across programmes, specifically to improve NPI programme execution;
• Analyse programme performance data and identify areas for improvement;
• Facilitate lessons capture and ensure dissemination across NPI programme teams
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
• Act as the primary point of contact for senior internal stakeholders and external stakeholders as required, partnering with Programme Managers;
• Influence senior leadership and external partners to support programme objectives;
Compliance & Quality Assurance
• Ensure NPI programmes comply with regulatory and quality standards
Team Development & Mentorship
• Mentor and train NPI staff to build capabilities;
• Foster a high-performance culture within NPI programme IPTs;
• Identify and address skill gaps and support career development;
• Provide input to the PMO Learning & Development Plan;
• Promote innovation and new ways of working to the Defence BL
What You'll Bring
To help us make a difference, you’ll bring your passion and talent for what you do along with the following skills, experience, qualifications and attributes.
Essential:
• Degree level education (or equivalent) in a technical or engineering discipline;
• Experience in managing NPI programmes from cradle to grave, across a range of relevant technologies, leading teams across all functions (engineering, procurement, operations, quality, commercial, finance, and programme management disciplines);
• Demonstrated performance in delivering challenging NPI programmes;
• Intimate understanding of robust NPI processes and procedures, project controls and governance frameworks;
• Must possess broad knowledge in all functional disciplines and be proficient in the fundamentals of programme management and agile working;
• Demonstrated interpersonal, negotiation, organisational and communication skills including emotional intelligence;
• Ability to lead, coach and mentor highly skilled and experienced teams;
• Broad understanding of the aerospace industry and related products;
• Experience of participating in at least one of UK, EU or US nationality restricted Defence programme;
Desirable:
• Professional accreditation with a recognised programme management body, such as PRINCE2, APM or PMI.
• Demonstrated performance in recovering challenging programmes through use of structured NPI programme management tools/skills;
• Experience within defence related programmes, with demonstrated results in regard to pricing negotiations;
• Broad understanding of Defence related products in the aerospace industry;
• Experience of providing assurance support to NPI IPT’s where data visibility is limited/restricted by security classifications or national clearance requirements;
Note: Some GKN programmes are subject to regulatory restrictions which may impact certain nationalities. As part of the application process you will be asked to declare when applying for this role.
The position requires UK National Security Vetting (UKNSV) Security clearance (SC) due to the nature and responsibilities of the work carried out. In order for us to obtain an SC you usually need to have been resident in the UK for a minimum of 5 years to current date (but we do assess each case individually).
What We'll Offer
Once you’re on board you’ll get the following perks and benefits:
• Competitive salary dependent on experience
• Attractive Car Allowance and Fuel Allowance
• Competitive Bonus paid annually
• Industry Leading Pension Scheme = we’ll match your contributions up to 8% on a 1 : 1.5 basis
• Life Assurance 8 x salary (as part of the pension scheme)
• 185 hours holiday + bank holidays
• Flexible working hours
• Income protection (as part of the pension scheme)
• Private medical cover
• Shopping discounts
• Cycle To Work Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Virtual GP Clinic for you and immediate family
• A collaborative, dynamic working environment
As well as a competitive package we’ll offer you a world of opportunity. We want to see your career fly! We’ll support your career progression by providing you with learning and development opportunities. That’s the beauty of being part of a global business, once you’re on board you never know where you career journey may take you!
Join us and keep the world moving … click on the link below to apply
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We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?
A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working
Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. It’s a culture that won us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.
We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.
We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.
