Programme Director

Role of the Programme Director

The Programme Director is responsible for establishing the governance framework and for the day-to-day direction of the programme. They represent the interests of the SRO on a day-to-day basis and manage the relationships required to successfully scope and execute the activity of the programme.

The responsibilities of the Programme Director include:

• Ensuring that the business case and governance arrangements are prepared and followed.
• Defining the accountabilities, work scope and targets for the team.
• Monitoring, forecasting and reporting overall progress.
• Managing and resolving risks and issues.
• Controlling change, ensuring that decisions are transparent and compliant.
• Monitoring and managing the performance of delivery partners and suppliers.
• Engaging and communicating with stakeholders.

Dr Kristian Thaller Programme Director

As Programme Director, Kristian aims to provide the highest standards of governance to facilitate the successful delivery of the FMRI programme. Holding a PhD in optoelectronics, he is a Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) and Member of the Association for Project Management. After working as a research engineer in the medical devices sector, Kristian began his project management career and association with UKRI supporting an EPSRC programme grant. He joined the National Oceanography Centre in 2016 as Programme Manager for the Oceanids investment in marine autonomous systems. He later managed the Net-Zero Oceanographic Capability scoping project, and has supported a range of other NOC marine research infrastructure projects.

I am motivated by the complex challenge of finding and delivering the best possible solution for all my stakeholders within the constraints that I have been given. I consider myself fortunate that in FMRI programme I have the opportunity to do this for a programme that can have such important benefits for our planet and society.