Head of Programmes

Licensed sponsor Cambridge Full-time Posted 1 hour ago

Join Nu Quantum - Shaping the Future of Technology

Nu Quantum is at the forefront of quantum computing and advanced technology, driven by innovation, diversity, and a commitment to excellence. We're creating an environment where brilliant minds from all backgrounds collaborate to push the boundaries of what's possible.

Founded to commercialise research generated over the last decade at the Cavendish Laboratory, Nu Quantum is on a mission to shape the future of quantum information systems.

We're working on exciting technology that will improve the utility and accelerate the time-to-market of quantum computing systems. We integrate novel quantum photonic technology to form an efficient and scalable quantum networking infrastructure in partnership with world-leading companies and academic groups.

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.

What You'll Do

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
Define programme scope, milestones and success criteria with stakeholders across the business and externally

Scale delivery as the company grows

Oversee Nu Quantum's programmes of work globally as we expand internationally, including setting up "fit-for-purpose" programme management in new locations
Keep technical roadmaps, hiring plans and company objectives aligned
Plan the programme management capacity the portfolio needs as it grows

Lead and develop the PMO

Support the PMO Group Lead to mentor and support the Programme and Project Managers in the team
Senior responsibility for the programme governance, processes and tools the PMO uses
Set the standard for clear documentation and structured communication across programmes
Embody our company values and foster a collaborative, transparent and delivery-focused working environment

Requirements

Your skills, qualifications and experience

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

Desirable skills and experience (not required, but beneficial)

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

Why Work with Us?

At Nu Quantum, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where people of all identities, orientations, backgrounds, and experiences are empowered. We value diverse perspectives as a source of creativity and innovation and encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented and marginalised communities. Joining Nu Quantum means joining a team where you can grow professionally and be part of an inspiring mission to shape the future of technology.

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 + UK Bank Holidays
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
1 month paid Sabbatical after 4 years of service
Group Life Assurance (4 x salary)