Defence Programme Director: Strategic Operations & Delivery

Mace; Preston; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

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

Job summary

Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to unlock potential in every person or project and redefine the boundaries of ambition. Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey.

Operations Director - Project Management in Cumbria leads a Defence programme, driving delivery, governance and strategic direction with senior client stakeholders. SC clearance eligibility is required and hybrid working is offered across a major long‑term

Qualifications

• Experience delivering major projects, programmes or accounts in construction, infrastructure or consultancy environments.
• Experience leading large multidisciplinary teams with significant accountability (commercial, operational, reputational).
• Strong commercial acumen: financial management, procurement strategies, contract administration, profit plans and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for a major Defence programme and ensure delivery against objectives, milestones, budget and quality targets.
• Serve as senior client contact, building trusted relationships with Defence, industry partners and leadership teams.
• Drive operational excellence across air systems, ensuring safety, efficiency and compliance with contracts and regulatory requirements.
• Develop organisational capability, succession planning and resource strategies to meet programme demands.
• Provide executive oversight of commercial performance, controls, risk management and delivery assurance across the portfolio.
• Support business growth through account development and identifying opportunities within Defence sectors.
• Champion innovation, digital delivery and data-driven decision-making to enhance performance and client outcomes.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to align programme delivery with Defence priorities and long-term capability objectives.

Skills

Leadership and people management

Stakeholder management

Strategic delivery

Financial management

Contract administration

Risk management

Business development

Innovation

Education

Degree in Project Management/Construction/Engineering or related

MCIOB/MAPM/MRICS/MICE membership

Job description

Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to unlock potential in every person or project and redefine the boundaries of ambition. Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey.

Operations Director - Project Management in Cumbria leads a Defence programme, driving delivery, governance and strategic direction with senior client stakeholders. SC clearance eligibility is required and hybrid working is offered across a major long‑term