Assistant Programme Manager, Defence Industrial Joint Council (DIJC)

UK Ministry of Defence; London; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading government department as an Assistant Programme Manager, where you'll support high-profile defence engagements and drive innovation in the defence sector. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence strategic direction and enhance supply chain resilience through effective programme management and stakeholder engagement.

Benefits

Civil Service Pension scheme contribution

Learning and development opportunities

Flexible working options

Inclusive and diverse working environment

Qualifications

• Experience in a complex stakeholder management environment.
• Interest in industrial strategy and policy development.

Responsibilities

• Lead coordination and secretariat functions for DIJC workstreams.
• Maintain a strategic programme plan with milestones.
• Produce briefing materials for senior MOD officials.

Skills

Organisational Skills

Planning

Communication

Multitasking

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Join to apply for the Assistant Programme Manager, Defence Industrial Joint Council (DIJC) role at UK Ministry of Defence

Abbey Wood (Bristol) or MOD Main Building (London)

Job Summary

Be at the heart of delivering the MOD’s most high-profile and strategic defence sector engagements. The Defence Industrial Joint Council (DIJC) Programme Management Office (PMO) is seeking two Assistant Programme Managers to help drive ministerial priorities and support delivery of the Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS). These roles offer a unique opportunity to work on high-impact initiatives that strengthen MOD’s collaboration with the defence sector and enhance supply chain resilience.

Role Context

Sitting within the Supply Chain Directorate (SCD), part of MOD Head Office, the DIJC PMO manages strategic engagements with industry, working with senior MOD officials and defence sector partners to address key challenges. As an Assistant Programme Manager, you will support the DIJC’s primary mechanism for partnering with industry leaders, SMEs, innovators, and other stakeholders, shaping policy, driving innovation, and improving industrial capability.

Key Objectives

• Facilitate strategic engagement between MOD and sector partners.
• Support the delivery and alignment of the DIS with MOD procurement and capability development.
• Tackle challenges in defence industrial base, including supply chain resilience, workforce skills, and innovation.
• Develop policy recommendations to foster growth and enhance defence outcomes.

The roles will support the DIJC top council and governance mechanisms, influencing strategic direction and delivery of the DIS and broader priorities. You will coordinate workstreams on themes such as skills, acquisition, capability management, and resilience, requiring strategic oversight and effective programme management.

Position Details

Position is advertised at 37 hours/week, with some travel between London and Bristol, and occasionally other UK locations.

Responsibilities

Strategic Responsibilities

• Lead coordination and secretariat functions for DIJC workstreams and governance structures.
• Maintain a strategic programme plan with milestones and long-term outcomes.
• Produce briefing materials for senior MOD and government officials.
• Design and implement programme management frameworks and tools.
• Analyse and report on programme risks, opportunities, and progress.
• Manage governance schedules, events, and stakeholder engagement plans.
• Champion continuous improvement within the PMO.

Development opportunities include engaging with ministers and senior officials, expanding knowledge of defence supply chains, and working within industrial strategy policy environments.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Experience in a complex stakeholder management environment.
• Interest in industrial strategy and policy development.
• Strong organisational, planning, and communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and communicate confidently with senior stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint.

Behaviours

• Communicating and Influencing
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Leadership
• Managing a Quality Service

Benefits

• Salary of £44,590 plus £12,917 contribution to Civil Service Pension scheme.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Flexible working options where possible.
• Inclusive and diverse working environment.

Additional Information

Applicants should be aware of MOD’s smoking policy, security requirements, and nationality eligibility criteria. The role does not offer relocation expenses and sponsorship for visas is not provided. The selection process involves CV review, behavioural and experience assessments, and interviews scheduled for June.