Defence Programme Director - Operations & Delivery

Mace

Lancashire

Hybrid

GBP 120,000 - 180,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Hybrid working

Medical health cover

Life insurance

Income protection insurance

Pension scheme

Discretionary annual salary reviews

Family friendly policies

27 days annual leave + 2 Mace days + 3

Bank holidays

Job summary

Mace is seeking an experienced Operations Director - Project Management for its Defence team in Preston. You will lead a major defence programme, providing strategic direction across project teams while ensuring delivery aligns with client objectives, milestones and performance targets.

The role requires eligibility for UK Security Clearance and a start in early 2027. You will drive operational excellence, governance and risk management across a complex air systems environment, supporting

Qualifications

Significant leadership and governance experience in defence/large-scale programmes.
Experience delivering major projects in defence, construction, or consultancy environments.
Strong financial acumen including budgeting, procurement and contracts.

Responsibilities

Deliver a major Defence programme from Preston with strategic direction across multiple teams.
Act as senior client contact, building trusted relationships with Defence and industry partners.
Drive operational excellence and ensure safe, compliant programme delivery.
Develop organisational capability, succession planning and resource strategies.
Oversee commercial performance, programme controls, risk management and delivery assurance.
Support business growth through account development and client relationship management.