Randstad
Program Director
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Programme Director (Digital Manufacturing)
Location: Dartford (3 days per week on-site required)
Employment Type: Full-time / Contract
Travel Requirements: Minimum 3 days per week travel to Dartford
Equipment: Must provide own equipment (BYOD)
Role Overview
We are seeking a highly proactive, hands-on Programme Director to take complete end-to-end responsibility for our Digital Manufacturing delivery. In this role, you will be wholly accountable for steering large-scale digital transformation initiatives, managing complex delivery ecosystems that combine in-house technical teams and third-party delivery partners.
You will combine sharp operational execution with executive-level relationship management, navigating complex stakeholder landscapes and driving alignment across all business functions to ensure flawless execution.
Key Responsibilities
End-to-End Delivery & Ownership
- Take full, end-to-end accountability for the strategic execution and delivery of digital manufacturing programs valued at £50M+.
- Maintain a visible, hands-on, and proactive leadership style on-site in Dartford to ensure milestone achievement, quality control, and schedule adherence.
- Drive operational efficiency through the implementation and scaling of digital manufacturing technologies and processes.
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Team & Vendor Management
- Direct, lead, and mentor multi-disciplinary, in-house technical and delivery teams.
- Select, manage, and govern third-party vendors, system integrators, and software suppliers, holding them accountable to strict deliverables, quality standards, and KPIs.
- Build an integrated, cohesive delivery culture across mixed internal and external resources.
Stakeholder Management & Governance
- Act as the primary point of contact for key internal stakeholders, executive sponsors, and cross-functional business partners.
- Manage complex and potentially difficult stakeholder relationships, using strong negotiation and conflict-resolution skills to drive consensus and maintain alignment.
- Establish robust governance frameworks, progress reporting, risk mitigation strategies, and financial controls to ensure complete delivery transparency.
Key Requirements & Experience
Essential Criteria
- Massive-Scale Delivery: Proven track record of taking total ownership for £50M+ transformational programs from business case through to benefit realization.
- Transformation Expertise: Demonstrated end-to-end success delivering large-scale, complex technology or business transformation projects.
- Proactive / Hands-on Leadership: A pragmatic leader who gets into the detail when required, driving momentum from the ground up rather than relying solely on delegation.
- Stakeholder Management: Exceptional communication skills with a proven capability to manage, influence, and align high-pressure or challenging stakeholders across all levels of an organization.
- On-Site Presence: Willingness and ability to travel to Dartford at least 3 days per week.
- Equipment: Ability to provide and operate using your own professional equipment (BYOD setup).
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Desirable Criteria
- Industry Background: Previous experience within Manufacturing (e.g., Smart Factory, Industry 4.0, Supply Chain Automation) or a top-tier Management Consultancy environment delivering complex operational change.
Core Competencies
- Drive & Resilience: Unwavering focus on outcomes despite obstacles, ambiguity, or stakeholder resistance.
- Commercial & Partner Acumen: Expert in contract management, vendor negotiation, and commercial governing mechanisms.
- Strategic Vision & Operational Execution: The ability to connect long-term strategic goals with day-to-day tactical delivery on the factory floor.
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