Programme Manager Defence

Carrington West; High Wycombe; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company Car

Car Allowance

Pension Scheme

Private Healthcare

Annual Bonus

Hybrid Working

Flexible Working

Career Development

Defence Projects Exposure

Job summary

Carrington West is seeking an experienced Programme Manager to oversee Defence construction projects across the Home Counties, guiding them from RIBA Stage 4 into construction while coordinating client, design teams, contractors and security requirements.

The role demands DV clearance, strong governance, risk management and excellent stakeholder communication, with hybrid working and a competitive package including a company car or car allowance, pension, private healthcare and clear career

Qualifications

• Experience delivering defence/MOD construction projects.
• DV clearance (current or can be reactivated).
• Proven ability to deliver projects through RIBA Stage 4 into construction.
• Qualification in Project/Programme Management or Construction Management.

Responsibilities

• Lead major MOD construction projects through detailed design to construction.
• Interface between client, design teams, contractors and stakeholders.
• Manage programme performance, risk, governance and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with defence sector standards and security requirements.
• Support contract management, procurement and mobilisation.

Skills

Defence construction

DV clearance

RIBA Stage 4

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Communication

Education

Project management qualification

Job description

Programme Manager - Defence Construction Projects

Home Counties | Hybrid Working Available

£65,000 - £75,000 + Company Car or Car Allowance + Excellent Benefits

Are you an experienced Programme Manager with a proven track record of delivering complex defence construction projects? Do you have the expertise to oversee major MOD programmes through the critical RIBA Stage 4 process and successfully manage the transition from design into construction?

This opportunity offers the chance to take ownership of high-profile defence infrastructure projects across the Home Counties, working with key stakeholders to ensure successful programme delivery within highly regulated and secure environments.

The Role

As Programme Manager, you will be responsible for leading the delivery of major MOD construction projects through the detailed design phase and into the construction stage. You will act as the key interface between client, design teams, contractors, and wider project stakeholders, ensuring all project objectives are achieved safely, efficiently, and in line with programme requirements.

You will provide strategic leadership across multiple workstreams, managing programme performance, risk, governance, and stakeholder relationships while maintaining alignment with defence sector standards and requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead projects through RIBA Stage 4 and oversee the transition into construction.
• Manage programme schedules, budgets, risks, and project controls.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary design teams, contractors, and client stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with MOD standards, procedures, and security requirements.
• Drive programme delivery, resolving issues and mitigating risks as they arise.
• Provide regular reporting and updates to senior stakeholders.
• Support contract management, procurement activities, and construction mobilisation.
• Ensure project objectives are delivered safely, on time, and within budget.

About You

• Previous experience managing defence or MOD construction projects.
• Current DV clearance or previously held DV clearance that can be reactivated.
• Proven experience delivering projects through RIBA Stage 4 and into the construction phase.
• A recognised qualification in Project Management, Programme Management, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong stakeholder management and leadership skills.
• Excellent communication and client-facing abilities.
• Experience working within highly regulated or secure environments.

Desirable Experience

• Previous design consultancy, design management, or engineering design experience.
• Professional membership with APM, CIOB, RICS, or similar organisations.
• Experience delivering major infrastructure, defence estate, or secure government programmes.
• Knowledge of NEC contracts and programme governance frameworks.

What's on Offer?

• Salary between £65,000 and £75,000 per annum
• Company Car or Car Allowance
• Pension Scheme
• Private Healthcare
• Annual Bonus Opportunity
• Hybrid and Flexible Working
• Long-term Defence Infrastructure Programme
• Excellent Career Development Opportunities
• Exposure to Major National Defence Projects

If you have the security clearance, defence construction experience, and programme leadership skills to deliver complex MOD projects through the final design stages and into successful construction delivery, we'd like to hear from you.