(FTC) Programme Support Manager

Thorn SDS Ltd; Rudloe; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A niche Managed Service Provider in the UK is seeking a Programme Support Manager to join the Most Stressed Use Cases team. This pivotal role involves developing evidence for a Category A Outline Business Case (OBC) and engaging with Defence user groups. The ideal candidate will have P3M expertise, excellent stakeholder management skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Competitive benefits include generous leave, pension contributions, and well-being support.

Benefits

25 days Annual Leave

Employer Pension Contributions

Group Life Insurance

Dental Cashback Plan

Health Cashback Plan

Well-being Services

Employee Referral Scheme

Qualifications

• Must have current security clearance.
• Strong P3M expertise, including schedule and risk management is essential.
• Experience with CAT A approvals is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop evidence to support a CAT A Outline Business Case.
• Engage user groups to capture use cases and requirements.
• Deliver P3M artefacts for critical approvals.

Skills

P3M expertise

Stakeholder management

Schedule management

Risk management

Clear communication

Job description

Role Overview

Thorn SDS is a niche Managed Service Provider, who is committed to enabling technology organisations and professionals to thrive within the Space, Defence and Security sectors.

About the Role

We are currently recruiting for a (FTC) Programme Support Manager join the Most Stressed Use Cases (MSUC) team at a critical moment in the programme’s life‑cycle. We’re seeking a highly capable and motivated P3M professional to play a central role in shaping and evidencing a Category A Outline Business Case (OBC).

This role places you at the heart of one of Defence’s most strategically important digital and satellite communications programmes. Working predominantly High‑Side, you will collaborate closely with stakeholders across MOD, Front Line Commands, Other Government Departments, and user communities to develop, assure, and present robust evidence that informs senior decision making.

If you thrive in complex, fast‑moving environments and enjoy working in small, mission‑focused teams, this is an opportunity to make a real impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, collate, and assure evidence required to support a CAT A OBC, working closely with MSUC leads and programme stakeholders.
• Engage user groups across Defence to capture use cases, requirements, and supporting data.
• Deliver high‑quality P3M artefacts, including schedule, risk, dependencies, and milestone evidence, to support critical approvals and decision points.
• Provide a clear, transparent picture of programme maturity and risks to decision makers navigating multiple competing priorities.
• Work flexibly within a small, high‑performing team—taking on a variety of tasks and contributing wherever needed to meet programme objectives.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Current security clearance
• Strong P3M expertise, including schedule and risk management
• Demonstrated CAT A approvals experience
• Ability to capture, review, analyse, and assure evidence for an OBC
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship‑building skills
• Clear, confident communication, fluent in English
• Strong facilitation abilities
• Willingness and ability to work predominantly High‑Side, with regular onsite presence

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience working within a Defence environment
• Exposure to requirements development and associated activities
• Understanding of satellite communications or wider defence communications
• Current access to MODNET and MOD‑issued hardware

What We’re Looking For

A proactive, adaptable professional with a can‑do attitude who enjoys operating in a dynamic environment. You will be comfortable taking ownership, thinking critically, and contributing across a range of tasks to ensure the successful delivery of the OBC.

Benefits

• 25 days Annual Leave (plus Bank Holidays)
• Employer Pension Contributions
• Group Life Insurance
• Dental Cashback Plan
• Health Cashback Plan
• Well‑being Services (includes GP, Physio and Savings Benefits)
• Thorn Well‑being Support Contribution
• Employee Referral Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Supported Training & Personal Development Opportunities

Apply

If you have the expertise to support this requirement and are eager to make an impact in a critical role, please apply today!

All applicants must hold the Right to Work in the UK and already possess, or be eligible to obtain, a high level of National Security Clearance.

Due to the nature of our business, your nationality, previous nationalities, and country of birth may influence the types of roles for which you are eligible. For more details visit the GOV.UK website or click here.