Programme Director CBRNE

Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection’s threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place. 

Smiths Detection is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.

Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,500 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.  

This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.

Smiths Detection is seeking an experienced Programme Director to lead the delivery of one of our most strategically important portfolios within the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) domain.

This is a high-profile leadership role responsible for the successful delivery of major UK Government and Defence programmes, while acting as the senior interface with MOD customers, partner nations and key stakeholders.

You will lead a team of programme and project professionals, working across engineering, commercial, operations, finance, product management and service functions to ensure delivery excellence, customer satisfaction and commercial performance.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a senior programme leader with experience delivering complex technology, defence, engineering, infrastructure or government programmes who wants to play a critical role supporting national security and defence capability.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Global Programmes & Contracts Director, you will have accountability for a portfolio of complex programmes within the CBRNE business area.

What you will be doing:

• Leading delivery of major programmes to scope, schedule, cost and quality requirements.
• Providing strategic leadership across a portfolio of commercial and technology projects.
• Acting as the senior customer interface for key MOD and UK Government stakeholders.
• Driving programme governance, risk management, change control and financial performance.
• Leading integrated, matrixed teams across multiple business functions.
• Ensuring successful handover into service and support environments.
• Supporting business growth through customer engagement, contract value expansion and delivery of option opportunities.
• Working closely with the Portfolio Director, CBRNE, you will help maximise future growth opportunities for the product family and the wider CBRNE portfolio.

What We're Looking For

We're interested in speaking with senior programme leaders who have experience delivering large, complex programmes within:

• Defence
• MOD
• National Security
• Aerospace
• CBRNE
• Mission Systems
• Government Contracts
• Engineering & Technology
• Critical Infrastructure

About you:

• Significant experience leading major programmes and portfolios.
• Experience engaging directly with MOD, defence, government or national security customers.
• Strong commercial and contract management capability.
• Experience managing large multidisciplinary and matrixed teams.
• Deep understanding of programme governance, risk, change and financial controls.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to operate at executive and customer leadership level.
• Experience leading customer-facing programme reviews, negotiations and delivery governance.

Why Join Smiths Detection?

Smiths Detection is a global leader in threat detection and screening technologies used to protect people, infrastructure and national interests worldwide.

This role offers:

• Leadership of strategically critical UK defence and CBRNE programmes.
• Direct engagement with MOD and allied government customers.
• Significant visibility across senior leadership teams.
• Opportunity to influence the future of national security technology.
• A challenging and rewarding environment where delivery excellence matters.

Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain UK Security Clearance (SC). Due to the nature of the work, previous experience working with MOD, defence, national security or CBRNE-related programmes will be highly advantageous.

• Direct MOD or UK Defence programme experience.
• Proven track record delivering major complex programmes within defence, government, engineering or technology environments.
• Experience managing programme managers and project delivery teams.
• Strong understanding of programme controls, scheduling, forecasting and earned value methodologies.
• Experience working in highly regulated environments with demanding customer requirements.
• Internationally recognised project or programme management qualification (APM, PRINCE2, MSP, PMP, IPMA or equivalent).
• Ability to build and lead high-performing teams.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain UK Security Clearance (SC).

Join us and we’ll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You’ll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You’ll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective.

Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Detection, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website.