Defence Reform Project Manager, Deputy Chief of Defence Staff, MSHQ

-; Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent government department in London is seeking a Defence Reform Project Manager to manage the delivery of pivotal Defence Reform projects. The ideal candidate will coordinate between military branches, create transformation plans, and exhibit strong interpersonal and communication skills. Must hold an OF4 rank and have experience in project/change management. This role offers the opportunity to impact Defence strategies directly and foster relationships with key stakeholders.

Benefits

Single Living Accommodation at non-entitled rates

Flexible working arrangements available

Eligible home to duty travel allowance

Qualifications

• Must be serving as a member of the Reserve Forces or have served with the Regular Forces.
• Strong understanding of Defence and wider government.
• Ability to manage long-term projects/programmes.

Responsibilities

• Manage delivery of new Defence Reform transformation.
• Coordinate between two areas to ensure coherence.
• Create and deliver a transformation implementation plan.

Skills

Project/Change Management

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Problem Solving

Negotiation

Flexibility

Education

OF4 rank or equivalent

Recommendation for OF4 from OJAR

Job description

Defence Reform Project Manager, Deputy Chief of Defence Staff, MSHQ

Recruiting Service, Joint, SERVE Ref/JPAN/URN, HQ UKSC 44/25. OF-4 ranks: Commander, Lieutenant-Colonel, Wing Commander. Closing date 04/01/2026, 23:55. Anticipated start March 2026. Engagement FTRS – Home Commitment, 12 months from appointment. Open to Royal Navy, Army, RAF, Royal Marines. Maj Paul Dryden – post owner email [e-mail].

Job Description

Subject to Joint Boarding process and SS Policies a vacancy will arise for an OF4 to serve as SO1 Defence Reform Project Manager, Deputy Chief of Defence Staff, MSHQ at MOD Main Building, London on FTRS (HC) Terms and Conditions of Service (TaCoS), with an initial proposed start date of 1 Mar 2026 or sooner if achievable.

Unit Function

Deputy Chief of Defence Staff – Force Development directs and makes decisions on Integrated Force Design, Concepts and Strategy across all Defence capabilities, including workforce. The role reports to Capability Force Plans (CFP) – Joint Plans. CFP ensures the integration and interoperability of the Funded and Future Forces across all domains, partners with, and leads the capability relationship with UK Strategic Command, Space Command, DE&S, DoS, DNE and strategic Programme TLBs.

Position Role

With a large and diverse area of responsibility DCDS(FD) requires a qualified project/change manager to fully scope the unique roles and responsibilities of the 2* Directorates staying and those being implemented into DCDS(FD) / MSHQ. The postholder will drive forward delivery of the project/change programme to achieve Defence Reform and SDR objectives, investigate current activity, present a proposed approach and implement DCDS(FD) direction via appropriate 1*s. Progress will be monitored through Defence Reform meetings and set objectives.

Responsibilities

• Project manager for delivery of new DCDS FD transformation to create ACDS FFD, ACDS C&FP and COS functions.
• Coordination across 2* AORs to ensure coherence and drive implementation.
• Creation and delivery of a transformation implementation plan.
• Leading work strands to map current and future work under Defence Reform.
• Focal point for MSHQ Reform team.
• Engagement with MSHQ, NAD, DOS and DNE Reform teams to ensure suitable docking points, communications and workable processes under the new operating model.
• Coordinate with COS on business management aspects of Defence Reform (communications plans, floorplans, workforce requirements).

Essential Skills

Must be an OF4 of any specialisation. OF3 applicants with a recommendation for the next higher rank in their most recent OJAR will be considered. Must be serving as a member of the Reserve Forces or have served with the Regular Forces.

Desirable Skills

ACSC. Strong understanding of Defence, wider government, and international partners. Programme/Project Management – ability to manage long-term projects/programmes of work.

Selection Process

This role has been advertised previously and may be withdrawn early should a suitable candidate be identified. Candidates should follow the application process for their service.

Domestic Considerations

No requirement for extended hours, early hours or weekend working. No travel abroad required for this role. Main base will be MOD Main Building.

Employer Comments

KSE. Very strong interpersonal skills needed to maintain relationships with DCDS(FD), wider Defence, specifically FLCs. Must have strong written and verbal communication skills. Project/Change Management is essential.

Attributes

Strong communication & interpersonal skills, confidence to negotiate & compromise, capable of managing numerous tasks concurrently, mentally resilient.

Organisational Awareness and Understanding

Understanding internal and external workings and structures of own organisation and wider interactions. Cultural awareness and understanding – appreciation of associated organisations and cultures.

Innovation and Initiative

Adapts to new circumstances, bringing both common sense and innovation, anticipates problems and grasps opportunities for improvement. Flexibility – aware of and adapts behaviour to new information.

Communication and Influence

Identifies key stakeholders, considers differing perspectives, asserts own ideas to persuade and negotiate.

Engaging Others

Establishes connections and builds rapport to gain support and commitment from others.

Problem Solving and Decision Making

Takes and supports risk when appropriate, identifies and manages risks and threats.

Other Information

Regular Service Applicants: current serving in Regular Services must consider Early Termination Minimum Waiting Time compatible with post sponsor’s proposed start date.

Admin Discharge: subject to SS Policies candidates may be rejected.

Pension Issues: service pension holders should seek advice on reserve service effect. Transition between TaCoS: consider impact on entitlements; seek guidance on TaCoS specific entitlements.

Flexible Working Arrangements: Reserve personnel can request FW arrangements with line manager.

Annual Training / Fitness / Medical / Dental: subject to SS policies.

Annual Salary and Leave: pay according to JSP 754. Leave entitlement detailed in JSP 754.

Accommodation: Single Living Accommodation (SLA) available at non entitled rates subject to SS policies.

Home to Duty Travel: eligible HTD travel as per JSP 752 for personnel living >9 miles from Main Building.

Contact

For further enquiries please contact WO1 Mitchell at the CSOC Reserves Hub at the following email address –