Location: Port Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
Industry: Shipbuilding
Seniority Level: Director
Employment Type: Full-time
Closing Date: 4th May 2025
Salary: Dependent on Experience (DOE) plus benefits package
Certificate Of Sponsorship: Available
About Ferguson Marine
Ferguson Marine is a proud shipbuilding company with over 120 years of heritage, positioning itself as a key player in delivering world-class vessels and advanced engineering services. The company is looking toward the future with investments in modern technologies and infrastructure to build vessels that will set the industry standard for years to come. As part of this vision, Ferguson Marine seeks an experienced General Manager – Programmes & Projects to lead their strategic initiatives in managing complex shipbuilding projects and supporting business-winning activities.
Job Overview:
As the General Manager – Programmes & Projects at Ferguson Marine, you will be accountable for overseeing the Project Management function across the company’s portfolio of shipbuilding and marine projects. Your primary focus will be on ensuring the successful delivery of projects through robust Governance & Assurance and providing direct support to delivery teams. This role requires a hands-on leader with a strong strategic mindset and the ability to implement world-class Project Management frameworks.
You will lead the development and maintenance of a Project Management Office (PMO) Operating Model and associated frameworks, tools, systems, and processes. Additionally, the role will involve overseeing the Lifecycle Governance and Assurance Process, working closely with internal stakeholders, and representing Ferguson Marine in high-level industry and government discussions.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Project Management Framework & Methodologies
-
Develop and implement a world-class Project/Programme Management framework, including Governance & Assurance models.
-
Lead the establishment of a Project Management Office (PMO) to manage Portfolio, Programme, and Project Management, covering:
-
Strategic Planning
-
Project Planning
-
Project Controls (Cost Control, Change Management, Performance/Reporting, Risk Management, etc.)
-
Information/Configuration Management, Estimating, and more.
-
2. Strategic Business Planning & Resource Management
-
Oversee the strategic resourcing plan for Project Management/Controls functional resources to deliver programmes, projects, and opportunities successfully.
-
Ensure the prioritisation of resources for business-winning activities, aligning efforts with the company’s strategic direction.
3. Lifecycle Governance & Assurance
-
Lead and manage the Lifecycle Governance and Assurance Process, ensuring standardisation in approaches and predictable project outcomes.
-
Manage internal and independent assurance processes to comply with regulatory and contractual obligations.
4. People Management Strategy
-
Develop a comprehensive People Management Strategy for Project Management and Controls, focusing on capability, competency development, career paths, and succession planning.
-
Promote the continuous development of team members through training, mentoring, and support.
5. Stakeholder Engagement & Performance Reporting
-
Act as a key interface with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment of strategic delivery with organisational capabilities.
-
Provide clear, data-driven performance reporting to senior stakeholders, both internally within Ferguson Marine and externally with customers, regulators, and government bodies.
6. Financial Oversight
-
Work closely with the Finance department to ensure accurate financial forecasts and budget management for projects.
-
Monitor the financial health of projects, ensuring that costs are controlled and resources are optimally allocated.
Key Qualifications & Experience:
Essential Qualifications & Experience:
-
Proven track record of delivering large-scale, complex shipbuilding projects and programmes, ideally within the shipbuilding or marine sector.
-
Previous experience in functional leadership within Project Management, particularly in establishing and executing Project Management frameworks and models.
-
Extensive experience using Project Management methodologies such as APM, Prince2, PMI, or similar industry-recognised frameworks.
-
Strong leadership and management skills, including the ability to engage and inspire teams.
-
Excellent stakeholder management skills with a proven ability to communicate effectively with senior leadership, customers, regulators, and other external bodies.
-
Formal Project Management accreditation (APM PMQ, Prince2, PMI, etc.) and membership with professional organisations such as APM is highly desirable.
-
Ability to obtain SC security clearance (UK national security clearance) and familiarity with related national security protocols is essential.
Desirable Qualifications:
-
Experience in business-winning activities, particularly in the context of shipbuilding and marine industry opportunities.
-
Knowledge of industry-specific compliance, regulatory standards, and quality assurance processes.
-
Familiarity with modern project management tools and systems that improve delivery effectiveness and efficiency.
Skills & Competencies:
-
Leadership & Team Management: Ability to lead, inspire, and develop teams to deliver exceptional project outcomes.
-
Project Management Expertise: Extensive knowledge of project management processes, tools, and methodologies.
-
Strategic Thinking: Ability to align project management activities with broader business strategies to drive growth and success.
-
Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to manage relationships with senior stakeholders, customers, government representatives, and regulatory bodies.
-
Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address challenges as they arise during project delivery.
-
Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas to a variety of audiences.
Why Join Ferguson Marine?
Ferguson Marine offers a dynamic and inclusive work environment where employees are encouraged to innovate, collaborate, and develop their careers. With 120 years of experience, the company is committed to staying at the forefront of shipbuilding technology and innovation. As the General Manager – Programmes & Projects, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of shipbuilding projects, both locally and internationally.
In addition to working on groundbreaking projects, you will be part of a company that values diversity, integrity, and merit. Ferguson Marine offers competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, and access to the Perk Box rewards scheme, providing everything you need to thrive both professionally and personally.
Benefits & Perks:
-
Competitive salary based on experience
-
Comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare and pension contributions
-
Access to the Perk Box rewards scheme for discounts and deals
-
Career development opportunities within a globally recognised organisation
-
A supportive and inclusive working environment, committed to diversity and equality
-
Flexible working options available to promote work-life balance
Diversity & Inclusion Commitment
Ferguson Marine is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The company actively encourages applicants from underrepresented groups within the shipbuilding and marine industries. If you have a disability or health condition that may affect your performance during the recruitment process, the company is committed to making reasonable adjustments to ensure an equitable application process.
Sponsorship Eligibility
As part of the UK’s skilled worker visa system, Ferguson Marine offers a Certificate of Sponsorship to non-UK candidates who meet the required criteria. Candidates interested in applying who require sponsorship should assess their eligibility for a Skilled Worker Visa through the UK government’s Skilled Worker Visa Guide. Applicants from outside the UK will be supported through the process, including the application and Immigration Health Surcharge.
Application Process
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The closing date for applications is 4th May 2025. However, Ferguson Marine reserves the right to close the vacancy early if sufficient applications are received.
Applications can be submitted via email to recruitment@fergusonmarine.com.
Please ensure you include an updated CV and a covering letter outlining your relevant experience and qualifications.
Conclusion
Ferguson Marine presents a unique opportunity for an experienced Project Manager to shape the future of shipbuilding projects. With a leadership role that impacts global projects, this is an excellent opportunity for someone who is looking to advance their career in a forward-thinking, innovative company. If you have the skills, experience, and passion for project management within the shipbuilding industry, apply today to be part of this exciting journey.