Head of Programme

Candidate Opportunity Brief
Position:
Head of Programme  
Reporting to:
Managing Director, UK & Europe
Confidentiality: N/A

Ford & Stanley Executive Search (Part of the Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group) are a leading Executive search and talent advisory firm specialising in the following sectors:

Rail & Transportation                      
Civils & Construction                       
Manufacturing & Supply Chain      
Technology & Cyber Security         
Logistics & Intermodal Freight        
Defence                                                      
Our search directors, search consultants and in house research team specialise in retained opportunities at the highest level of organisational leadership and management.

Our success is based upon a blend of trust-driven relationships, robust market knowledge, and working practices that ensure the best possible alignment of organisational need with experience and personal ambition.

Working with business leaders on bespoke assignments for over a decade, we understand exactly what our customers expect from an executive search and talent advisory service – whether there is a pressing business need for an executive interim or that of a long-term permanent appointment - Ford & Stanley Executive Search provide the solution.

Below you will find a ‘Candidate Opportunity Brief’ developed from notes taken during the scoping meeting (Situational Discovery) held between the Research Manager of Executive Search & Head of Executive Search and the Managing Director & Business Development Director of UK & Europe.

This brief is designed to give candidates a deeper insight into the opportunity inherent within the role, the challenges the role presents, and provide access to the detail that sits behind the job specification.

Challenges expected within the first 12 months include:

Remotely dispersed team:
It’s worth noting that a good portion of the delivery team are based in Australia and as such, the incoming Programme Manager will need to proactively build relationships.
Market disruption:
The products and services that our client offers are relatively new to the market and whilst they have had considerable early success there is still a high degree of education needed with the customer.
Onboarding:
Due to the nature of the business onboarding can at times be difficult.
Key deliverables within the first 12 months include:

Secure the additional 1-year extension for the contract taking it through to Dec 2028.
Evidence the building of strong relationships with both internal stakeholders and customer stakeholders.
Ensure the renewal of the contract.
Essential Hard Skills (Skills & Experience)

Fully chartered engineering background in Railway Infrastructure (Preferably civil or electrical).

Proven ability leading on Projects and Programme’s within the Railway industry.

Able to demonstrate an incredibly strong ability for written work able to capture meetings, concepts and information effectively.

Proven ability operating alongside internal and external stakeholders.

Desirable:
Consultancy background.  

Essential Soft Skills (Attributes & Behaviours)

Mature approach to work culture.

Flexible in their approach to working

Strong communicator (both written and verbal) and able to manage multiple relationships.

Collaborative and keen to work closely with internal stakeholders.

Working Arrangements &

Location:

Our client offers a flexible approach to working with options such as home office / hybrid working available and flexible hours due to their global portfolio of customers, working hours can vary. The office is in London.
Ford & Stanley Executive Search Pre-Submission Process:

First Engagement: A short engagement and introductory conversation to position the opportunity, gauge candidate early interest level and arrange a time and date for a more detailed discussion. NDA sent (if applicable) upon receipt of signed NDA - Candidate Opportunity Brief shared.
Candidate Discovery:
An open, conversational and consultative discussion where candidates and executive search consultant explore and discuss the opportunity brief. Candidates are assessed on their suitability for the role in the context of the…