Head of Programmes (Quantum Technology)

Location: On-site in Cambridge, England, United Kingdom

Company

Develops quantum photonic technology and scalable quantum networking infrastructure to improve the utility and accelerate the time-to-market of quantum computing systems.

What you will do

• Own delivery across technology development, product roadmap, customer and partner programmes, and internal change projects.
• Set portfolio priorities and resolve competing demands for people, budget, and time.
• Report programme status, risks, dependencies, and budget oversight to senior leadership and the Board.
• Lead delivery relationships with commercial customers and collaboration partners, defining scope, milestones, and success criteria.
• Scale programme management capacity and governance as international operations and the portfolio grow.
• Lead and develop the PMO, including its managers, processes, tools, documentation, and communication standards.

Requirements

• Senior programme leadership experience, such as Head of Programmes, Programme Director, or a similar role, 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 or leaders.
• Experience running programmes across more than one site, ideally internationally.
• Expertise in 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 with evolving priorities.

Nice to have

• Postgraduate qualification, such as an MSc or PhD, in a technical field, engineering, or project management.
• Formal programme or project management certification, such as MSP, PRINCE2, PMP, or APM, or real-world experience employing these skills.
• Experience in quantum technologies, photonics, semiconductors, convergent technology, or other deep-tech industries.
• Familiarity with product development lifecycles for advanced hardware based on academic research.

Culture & Benefits

• Inclusive workplace that values diversity, collaboration, transparency, and delivery-focused work.
• Flexible working options alongside an on-site workplace.
• 28 days of annual leave, including a three-day company shutdown period and UK Bank Holidays, with the option to purchase up to five additional days.
• Private medical and dental cover, enhanced paid family leave, Group Life Assurance at four times salary, and a paid one-month sabbatical after four years.
• On-site gym membership, cycle scheme, office refreshments, and access to the Cambridge Botanical Gardens.
• Employee referral scheme.