Programme Director – ITM Power & Brightsmith
Brightsmith are pleased to be retained on a new Programme Director role with ITM Power.
ITM Power is seeking an exceptional Programme Director to lead the delivery of a transformational manufacturing programme that will help define the next chapter of the global hydrogen economy
.Backed by £86.5 million of government support, including investment from Great British Energy and the UK Government, ITM will establish a new automated manufacturing capability in South Yorkshire and accelerate the commercialisation of Chronos, ITM’s next-generation PEM electrolyser stack. As Programme Director, you will be responsible for bringing this programme to life.
You will lead multiple complex workstreams spanning manufacturing expansion, factory fit-out, automation deployment, advanced testing infrastructure, equipment installation, commissioning, and operational readiness, ensuring the programme is delivered safely, successfully, and at pace.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a programme that sits at the intersection of advanced manufacturing, industrial automation, energy transition, and national infrastructure.
Why this opportunity is unique.
- Lead one of the most strategically important hydrogen manufacturing programmes in Europe
- Deliver the industrialisation of Chronos, ITM Power’s next-generation electrolyser platform
- Oversee the creation of an automated manufacturing capability
- Join a business with over 26 years of hydrogen innovation and a growing portfolio of global projects and customers
- Play a central role in accelerating the deployment of green hydrogen at industrial scale
- Work directly with ITM Power’s executive leadership team, government stakeholders, strategic partners, and technology leaders
- Shape the future operating model of one of the world’s leading PEM electrolyser businesses
The Role
We are seeking a highly experienced Programme Director with a track record of delivering complex capital programmes involving manufacturing facilities, automation, industrial infrastructure, advanced engineering systems, or large-scale technology deployment. You will take ownership of and be accountable for programme governance, delivery strategy, budget, schedule, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and successful operational handover.
Key areas of responsibility include:
- Leading multiple interconnected capital projects simultaneously
- Delivering factory fit-out, infrastructure upgrades, and manufacturing readiness
- Overseeing procurement, installation, and commissioning of advanced automated production systems
- Delivering new testing and verification facilities to support next-generation product development
- Managing programme budgets, schedules, governance, and executive reporting
- Leading multidisciplinary project teams
- Managing suppliers, contractors, system integrators, and technology partners
- Driving operational readiness and successful transition into manufacturing operations
- Ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality, compliance, and programme control
If you are interested in hearing more about this role please reach out to h.lowther@brightsmtihgroup.com
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