Programme Director - Highways

Location: Heathrow

Job Specification

Job Title:

Programme Director – Major Aviation Infrastructure Programme

Role Overview

Our client is seeking an exceptional Programme Director to lead the delivery of a multi-billion-pound aviation infrastructure programme of national significance.

This executive role carries full accountability for strategic leadership, governance and successful delivery of a complex programme including enabling works, highways diversions, utilities relocations, terminal and airside development, and phased integration within a live operational airport environment.

The Programme Director will provide visible, senior leadership across delivery partners, ensuring safe, compliant and commercially effective execution aligned to sponsor objectives and regulatory requirements.

Key Accountabilities

Strategic Programme Leadership

* Establish and lead the programme strategy, governance structure and integrated master schedule, ensuring alignment with sponsor objectives, regulatory obligations and operational constraints.

* Provide executive reporting to the Board, Government stakeholders and investors, leading stage-gate, gateway and assurance processes.

Enabling Works & Infrastructure Delivery

* Oversee highways diversions, utilities relocations, statutory undertaker coordination, land agreements and early works packages.

* Manage interfaces with National Highways, Local Authorities and third parties to ensure seamless integration into main construction phases.

* Deliver enabling works safely and efficiently without adverse impact on airport operations or surrounding transport networks.

Commercial & Contractual Leadership

* Define and implement the procurement and delivery model (NEC, FIDIC, alliancing or JV structures as appropriate).

* Lead major contract awards and maintain disciplined cost control across multi-billion-pound budgets.

* Oversee change control, claims management, risk allocation and supply chain performance frameworks.

Operational Integration

* Lead phased construction within a live operational airport environment.

* Safeguard airside and landside safety, regulatory compliance and operational continuity.

* Ensure effective integration of new infrastructure into operational systems and processes.

Regulatory & Stakeholder Management

* Lead engagement with Government, Civil Aviation Authority, National Highways, Local Authorities, environmental regulators and community stakeholders.

* Ensure compliance with DCO requirements, planning conditions and environmental commitments while managing political and reputational risks.

Risk, Safety & Assurance

* Champion a “Zero Harm” safety culture and ensure compliance with CDM Regulations and aviation safety standards.

* Lead programme-wide risk management, assurance reviews and quality systems across all delivery partners.

Leadership & Culture

* Build and lead a high-performing, multi-disciplinary leadership team across client, contractor and consultant organisations.

* Foster a collaborative, delivery-focused culture with strong governance, inclusion and executive accountability.

Experience & Qualifications

Essential

* Proven Programme Director experience on infrastructure programmes exceeding £1bn in value.

* Demonstrable delivery of major aviation, highways or nationally significant infrastructure schemes, including complex enabling works and live environments.

* Strong commercial expertise across NEC and/or FIDIC contracts and Tier 1 contractor management.

* Deep understanding of UK planning, DCO processes and regulatory frameworks.

* Degree qualified with Chartered status (CEng, MRICS, MAPM or equivalent).

Desirable

* Experience on airport expansion or runway programmes.

* Programme Management certification (MSP, PgMP or equivalent) and experience in regulated or government-funded environments.

Core Competencies

* Strategic leadership and executive presence

* Commercial acumen and financial governance

* Political and stakeholder awareness

* Risk, safety and assurance leadership

* Negotiation, influence and delivery under pressure

Why Join

This is a career-defining opportunity to lead one of the UK’s most significant aviation infrastructure programmes. The successful candidate will…