Programme Services Lead - Defence

Mace; Lancashire; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Hybrid working

Medical health cover

Life insurance

Income protection insurance

Pension scheme

Discretionary annual salary reviews

Family friendly policies

23 days annual leave + 2 Mace days + 3

Job summary

Mace in Preston, United Kingdom, seeks a Programme Services Lead to deliver PMO and governance across a high-profile defence programme. The role requires security clearance eligibility and a track record managing complex programmes in regulated environments.

The successful candidate will coordinate planning, reporting, risk management and stakeholder engagement, while promoting continuous improvement and readiness activities across the Integrated Client Team.

Qualifications

• Degree in programme management or related discipline.
• Experience in defence/aerospace/regulatory programmes.
• Excellent stakeholder management and facilitation skills.

Responsibilities

• Managing the delivery of programme management services across the programme.
• Managing governance frameworks, reporting cycles and programme assurance activities.
• Coordinating programme planning, scheduling and performance reporting processes.
• Maintaining oversight of programme risks, issues, actions and dependencies.
• Supporting senior stakeholders with programme information, decision-making and governance requirements.
• Ensuring consistency of programme management standards, processes and controls.
• Facilitating collaboration across project teams, suppliers and client stakeholders.
• Driving continuous improvement across programme services, reporting and governance activities.
• Supporting programme mobilisation, transition and readiness activities.
• Building strong relationships across the Integrated Client Team to ensure successful programme outcomes.

Skills

PMO leadership

Governance

Stakeholder management

Programme management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Job description

We are looking to appoint a Programme Services Lead to join our Defence team in Preston, supporting the delivery of a high-profile and highly regulated Air Defence programme of national importance. This role requires a highly trusted professional who can operate with discretion, integrity and accountability within a secure environment. Please note:This requirement is expected to commence in early 2027. As a result, candidates may not be contacted immediately after applying; however, all applications will be carefully reviewed and considered. Due to the security requirements associated with the role, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain UK Security Clearance. You'll be responsible for:

• Managing the delivery of programme management services across the programme.
• Managing governance frameworks, reporting cycles and programme assurance activities.
• Coordinating programme planning, scheduling and performance reporting processes.
• Maintaining oversight of programme risks, issues, actions and dependencies.
• Supporting senior stakeholders with programme information, decision‑making and governance requirements.
• Ensuring consistency of programme management standards, processes and controls.
• Facilitating collaboration across project teams, suppliers and client stakeholders.
• Driving continuous improvement across programme services, reporting and governance activities.
• Supporting programme mobilisation, transition and readiness activities.
• Building strong relationships across the Integrated Client Team to ensure successful programme outcomes. Experience leading PMO, Programme Services or Programme Management functions within complex programmes.
• Strong understanding of programme governance, reporting, planning and assurance processes.
• Experience supporting large-scale Defence, Aerospace, Infrastructure or similarly regulated programmes.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication and facilitation skills.
• Experience managing programme risks, issues, actions and performance reporting.
• Degree qualified or equivalent professional experience in programme management, project management or a related discipline.
• Current SC clearance or eligibility and willingness to obtain and maintain UK Security Clearance (SC). Integrity - Always do the right thing: We influence positive outcomes within our industry, while always aligning with our compliance obligations.
• Create opportunity - For our people to excel: We champion a continuous improvement culture throughout all activities, inspiring our people and teams to develop. Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. We are also open to discussing part time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable with-in the role.
• Car allowance.
• Hybrid working.
• Medical health cover.
• Life insurance.
• Income protection insurance.
• Pension scheme.
• Discretionary annual salary reviews.
• Family friendly policies.
• 22 days annual leave + 2 Mace days + 3 days Christmas shutdown + 1 additional day leave for every 2 years of service + Bank holidays.

Our values Safety first - Going home safe and well: We champion a safe, diverse and inclusive working environment, understanding the importance of wellbeing in every team. Client focus - Deliver on our promise: We own the quality of deliverables, strategic outcomes and build long term relationships with our clients.