Programme & Construction Manager 1

Serco Limited; Swindon; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense and construction services provider seeks a Programme & Construction Manager in Swindon. The role involves managing significant estates projects, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations, and leading project teams in a fast-paced environment. Responsibilities include planning, resource allocation, and client engagement. Competitive salary and numerous benefits, including gym memberships and extensive training opportunities, are offered.

Benefits

Gym membership

Contributory pension scheme

25 days annual leave

Paid volunteering day

Discounts across ~1,000 retailers

Qualifications

• Significant experience in client, consultant, or contractor roles.
• Track record of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proven pre-works management experience in construction environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and programming of multiple concurrent projects.
• Manage a team of project managers and contractors.
• Provide regular updates to the Head of Estates on project progress.

Skills

BPSS clearance

Team management

Pre-works management

Client-facing skills

Programming skills

Budget management

Job description

Serco Limited – Programme & Construction Manager, Defence Academy – Shrivenham, Swindon

Competitive salary plus benefits. 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Serco is responsible under the DACI and PFI contracts for delivering planned, reactive, SV/ARC variation projects as well as AMP Estates projects across the Defence Academy site. The role is a client‑side Project Manager accountable for ensuring Serco meets contractual requirements on time, on budget and to an auditable standard. You will manage a broad portfolio of estates projects, ranging in value from £2 M to £40 M, including infrastructure upgrades, refurbishments, M&E systems, plant replacements, and sustainability initiatives such as decarbonisation and renewables.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and programming of multiple concurrent projects, ensuring robust schedules and resource plans are in place.
• Oversee pre‑works activities: site assessments, contractor selection, and initial coordination meetings.
• Manage a team of project managers and contractors, providing clear direction and support.
• Act as the primary point of contact for the client, building and maintaining a strong, positive relationship.
• Focus on delivery, including programming, coordination, and ensuring all pre‑works and works are executed to the highest standards.
• Provide regular updates to the Head of Estates on project progress, risks and milestones.
• Lead the delivery of full lifecycle projects in a complex, fast‑paced environment.
• Manage multi‑disciplinary project teams to meet objectives on time, within scope and budget.
• Create and maintain robust business cases, plans, budgets and governance structures.
• Provide expert advice and reports for cost management, procurement and analysis of works.
• Work closely with Building Surveyors, Project Managers and external consultants to develop Employer’s Requirements, tender documentation and reports.
• Maintain procurement activity control in liaison with Serco’s procurement colleagues and strategy, adhering to contractual requirements on site.
• Adhere to all company protocols and procedures.
• Continuously review responsibilities to identify and implement improvement and cost‑saving measures.

Requirements

• BPSS clearance or ability to achieve it.
• Significant demonstrable experience in similar specialist roles within a client, consultant or contractor capacity.
• Track record of managing teams and prioritising workloads to deliver deadlines.
• Proven pre‑works management and coordination experience in technical, construction or facilities environments.
• Experience managing multiple projects (ideally 7–10) simultaneously, with budgets ranging from £500 k to £40 M.
• Exceptional client‑facing skills with rapid, effective response to client feedback.
• Experience leading project managers and contractors, ensuring clear communication and accountability.
• Strong programming skills – ability to develop and maintain detailed project schedules and resource plans.

What we offer

• Beautiful, secure site with two lakes and scenic woodland.
• Free, secure onsite parking.
• Access to sports and activity clubs with heavily subsidised subscription costs.
• Gym membership with two fully equipped gymnasiums.
• 18‑hole golf course (annual membership circa £375).
• Fully equipped riding stables and lesson opportunities.
• Other sporting facilities: tennis courts, Astro‑turf football pitches etc.
• Up to 6 % contributory pension scheme.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Extensive training and development: 1,100+ internal courses, qualifications and apprenticeships, mentoring, internal progression focus.
• Wellbeing programmes: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, BUPA Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, Simplyhealth cash plans, 30 % off Serco‑managed leisure centres.
• Discounts across ~1,000 retailers.
• Employee networks supporting community and professional development.
• Paid volunteering day per year and optional payroll giving scheme.