Brightsmith are partnering with a highly innovative UK manufacturing business undergoing a major operational transformation and seeking an exceptional Programme Director to lead a strategic infrastructure and manufacturing programme.

This programme involves facility transformation, automation strategy, new production capability, infrastructure expansion, and the introduction of new in-house technical processes. It will require strong leadership across construction, manufacturing, engineering, procurement, and executive stakeholder management.

We are looking for someone who has delivered large, complex programmes from concept through to completion and can confidently operate at board level while ensuring day-to-day execution remains tightly controlled.

Responsibilities - Programme Director

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of a £100m+ manufacturing and infrastructure transformation programme
• Develop and execute the full programme strategy across facilities, operations, automation, and manufacturing capability
• Oversee factory redesign, production line implementation, relocation of operational assets, and infrastructure development
• Support the creation of new in-house technical capabilities and operational processes
• Manage planning, governance, reporting, risk, budget control, and programme timelines
• Work closely with manufacturing, R&D, engineering, finance, procurement, and executive leadership teams
• Engage confidently with senior stakeholders, board members, grant stakeholders, and external partners
• Ensure delivery remains on time, on budget, and aligned to long-term business strategy
• Identify issues early, provide transparent reporting, and drive effective decision-making
• Manage supplier, contractor, construction, and third-party relationships throughout delivery

Experience Required- Programme Director

• Proven experience delivering major manufacturing, infrastructure, or industrial transformation programmes (£50m+ ideally £100m+)
• Demonstrable track record of leading projects from initial concept through to full operational delivery
• Strong background in advanced manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, defence, engineering, or complex industrial environments
• Experience involving automation, production line design, facility development, and operational transformation
• Strong commercial understanding of capex-heavy programmes and supplier management
• Comfortable operating at executive and board level with excellent stakeholder communication skills
• Able to challenge decisions, bring structure, and provide confidence through strong programme leadership
• Experience introducing new in-house processes, manufacturing capabilities, or technical operations is highly desirable
• Formal project methodology is less important than proven delivery capability, commercial awareness, and leadership presence

If you are intereted in hearing more details please apply to the role or reach out directly at h.lowther@brightsmithgroup.com