Head of Programmes

Head of Programmes at Nu Quantum, Cambridge, England, United Kingdom. A director-level full time position in the Operations team, listed under business operations.

The Role

Nu Quantum is growing quickly. Over the next few years we will run more technology programmes, with more commercial customers and partners, in the UK and internationally. We are hiring a Head of Programmes to take senior ownership of that portfolio. You will be accountable for the delivery of all Nu Quantum programmes, from internal R&D and product development to customer and partner engagements. Reporting to the VP of Engineering, you will be the company’s senior voice and representative on delivery to the Senior Leadership Team, the Board, and our customers and partners. Our Programme Management Office (PMO), an established team with its own lead, will report to you. You will also work closely with Business Development, Marketing and Product Management to turn commercial opportunities into programmes we can deliver, and with Engineering, Research, Talent and Finance to make sure those programmes are properly scoped, resourced and funded. You will bring significant experience delivering complex technical programmes in fast-moving environments, and you are comfortable working at pace on both strategic and operational levels.

Own the global programme portfolio

• Take accountability for delivery across the full portfolio: technology development programmes, the product roadmap, customer and partner programmes, and internal change projects.
• Set priorities across programmes and work with Department Heads and the PMO to resolve competing demands on people, budget and time.
• Report portfolio status, risks and dependencies to the Senior Leadership Team and the Board.
• Hold budgetary oversight for programmes.

Lead delivery for customers and partners

• Act as the senior delivery contact for commercial customers and collaboration partners.
• Work with Business Development, Marketing and Product to scope new engagements, so that what we commit to can be delivered.

Requirements

• Experience in a senior programme leadership role (Head of Programmes, Programme Director or similar), working directly with a Senior Leadership Team and C-suite.
• Significant experience leading complex technical programmes in a multidisciplinary engineering or R&D environment.
• Experience delivering programmes for external customers or partners, including managing commitments, milestones and senior relationships.
• Proven experience building or scaling a programme management function, including managing other managers/leaders.
• Experience running programmes across more than one site, ideally internationally.
• Expert in managing programme risks, dependencies and stakeholder communication at senior and board level, both internally and externally.
• A degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science or another relevant technical discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with technical and non-technical teams.
• A pragmatic, delivery-focused approach, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-moving start-up where priorities evolve.

Nice to Have

• A postgraduate qualification (MSc or PhD) in a technical field or in engineering or project management.
• A formal programme or project management certification (for example MSP, PRINCE2, PMP or APM) or real world experience employing these skills.
• Experience working in quantum technologies, photonics, semiconductors, convergent technology or other deep-tech industries.
• Familiarity with product development lifecycles for advanced hardware based on academic research.

Benefits

• Refreshments, including fruit and beverages, are available in the office.
• Flexible working options
• 28 days annual leave, inclusive of a 3-day company shutdown period + Bank Holidays in England and Wales
• Option to purchase up to 5 days holiday per year
• Access to the Cambridge Botanical Gardens
• On-site gym membership
• Cycle scheme
• Private Medical and Dental Cover (With Vitality and Bupa)
• Enhanced paid family leave policies
• Generous Employee Referral Scheme

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