Programme Director - Defence

Turner & Townsend; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A global project management firm is seeking a Programme Director to lead major infrastructure projects for the UK Ministry of Defence. The successful candidate will manage all phases, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget. A strong track record in project management, particularly within defence or nuclear environments, is essential. This role requires hybrid working and national travel to client sites.

Qualifications

• Significant project or construction management experience at Principal Project Manager level.
• Strong infrastructure background in Defence, Nuclear, Transportation or Utilities.
• Operational knowledge of NEC4 suite of contracts.

Responsibilities

• Act as the representative with the client and subcontractors during programme execution.
• Negotiate changes to scope with the client and subcontractors.
• Oversee establishment of essential project documents.
• Develop budgets, schedules and plans with managers.
• Monitor potential cost overruns or delays.

Skills

Leadership skills

Cross-functional team management

Excellent communication

Systems thinking

Knowledge of NEC4 contracts

Broad technical background

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Project Management or related field

Senior accreditation (ICE, APM, RICS)

Job description

Programme Director – Defence

Join Turner & Townsend to lead large‑scale infrastructure programmes for the UK Ministry of Defence.

Job Description

Turner & Townsend is looking for a talented Programme Director to join our busy and expanding Defence business. In this role you will provide direction and management for every phase of large‑scale infrastructure programmes across a range of complex and challenging commissions, ensuring on‑schedule completion within or below budget and in accordance with contractual obligations. You will manage multiple projects that make up a complex programme, balancing technical, leadership and managerial approaches within highly regulated delivery environments such as nuclear‑regulated sites and engaging stakeholders at an executive level. Experience working with the NEC4 suite of contracts is strongly desired.

Prior experience must include significant project management or construction management assignments at the Principal Project Manager level, operations management of personnel, and effective management of client outcomes. Must be able to travel nationally to client sites as required.

What You'll Be Doing

• Act as the Turner & Townsend representative with the client and selected subcontractors during programme execution.
• Negotiate changes to scope with the client and key subcontractors, and collaborate with Business Development to secure additional work.
• Oversee the establishment of the Project Execution Plan, Health and Safety Plan, Quality Assurance/Quality Control Plan and other required documents.
• Set delivery requirements, monitor drafts and final deliverables, and distribute a Programme Brief to the team.
• Plan, direct, supervise and control all business, technical, fiscal and administrative functions of the programme.
• Mobilise resources, liaise with capability leads and subsidiaries, and discuss qualifications required for programme/project positions.
• Develop budgets, schedules and plans with managers, engineers and discipline leads, ensuring programme meets or exceeds goals.
• Implement actions to rectify potential cost overruns or delays and maintain current and timely change orders.
• Promote technical and commercial excellence through Quality Assurance processes and report progress to management.
• Perform any other responsibilities appropriate to the position.

Required Skills

• Highly commended leadership skills and proven ability to operate at Programme Executive level.
• Broad technical and business background with large‑scale programme/project experience.
• Ability to manage and direct cross‑functional teams across domains and disciplines.
• Systems thinking in complex multi‑stakeholder environments.
• Excellent written and oral communication and thorough knowledge of industry practices and regulations.
• Knowledge of current innovation and how to utilise it on programmes/projects.
• Desirable history in infrastructure, defence or nuclear environments.
• Operational knowledge of NEC4 suite of contracts.

Qualifications

• Senior accreditation from a professional body such as ICE, APM, RICS (strongly desired).
• Strong infrastructure background in Defence, Nuclear, Transportation or Utilities.
• Bachelor’s degree in Project Management or related technical/business field and competence across all stages of programme life‑cycle.
• NEC / FIDIC commercial experience (strongly desired).

Security Clearance

Due to the sensitive nature of these projects you must be a sole UK National capable of achieving and maintaining UK MoD Security Clearance (SC). Many projects are subject to MoD clearance and Trade Control restrictions; eligibility may be affected by nationality or residency. Further details are available at the UK Government site.

Working in Teams / Office & Site Attendance

We support hybrid working while ensuring office and site attendance matches business demands. You will be expected to be on client sites or our offices about 60 % of your time, including travel, though this may flex based on client and business requirements.

Additional Information

Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and strive to create an inclusive. We do not charge any fee for recruitment.

Seniority Level

Director

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Project Management