Project Manager

Sanderson Government & Defence; City Of London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Sanderson Government & Defence is seeking an experienced Project/Programme Management Consultant to lead delivery of high-profile government programmes. You will work with Programme Directors, SROs, Project Managers and stakeholders to ensure effective delivery, proactive risk management, and robust governance throughout the lifecycle.

The role requires government delivery experience, ability to navigate complex environments, and strong stakeholder engagement to drive outcomes across multiple

Qualifications

• Experience in project or programme management roles within government departments or public sector programmes.
• Strong grasp of governance, delivery management, reporting and assurance processes.
• Proven track record delivering complex transformation, digital or business change programmes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support delivery of government projects and programmes.
• Establish governance, controls and delivery frameworks.
• Develop and manage programme plans, milestones and schedules.
• Manage RAID logs and coordinate mitigation activities.
• Produce programme reporting, dashboards and management information for senior stakeholders.
• Facilitate governance meetings, steering committees and boards.
• Monitor performance against objectives, timelines and budgets.
• Manage change requests and delivery impacts.
• Support assurance reviews and health checks.
• Build strong relationships with internal teams, clients and stakeholders.

Skills

Project management

Programme management

Stakeholder management

Delivery planning

RAID management

Executive reporting

Change control

Benefits realisation

Public sector delivery

Job description

Are you tired of joining programmes where all the processes and governance structures have already been defined? Do you want the opportunity to shape delivery, influence outcomes, and help organisations navigate complex change?

We're building a delivery capability from the ground up and are looking for experienced Project and Programme Management professionals who want more than just a seat at the table. This is a rare opportunity to help define how delivery operates, drive meaningful change, and work on programmes that genuinely matter across multiple government departments.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Project / Programme Management Consultant to support and lead the delivery of high-profile programmes within the UK public sector. This is an excellent opportunity for a delivery professional with government experience who enjoys working in complex environments, engaging senior stakeholders, and driving successful outcomes.

The successful candidate will work closely with Programme Directors, Senior Responsible Owners (SROs), Project Managers, and government stakeholders to ensure programmes are delivered effectively, risks are managed proactively, and governance standards are maintained throughout the delivery lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support the delivery of projects and programmes across government clients.
• Establish and maintain effective programme governance, controls, and delivery frameworks.
• Develop and manage programme plans, milestones, dependencies, and delivery schedules.
• Manage RAID logs (Risks, Assumptions, Issues, and Dependencies) and coordinate mitigation activities.
• Produce accurate programme reporting, dashboards, and management information for senior stakeholders.
• Facilitate governance meetings, steering committees, and programme boards.
• Monitor programme performance against agreed objectives, timelines, budgets, and benefits.
• Manage change requests, approvals, and delivery impacts.
• Support assurance reviews, audits, and programme health checks.
• Build strong relationships with internal teams, clients, and key stakeholders.

Required Experience

• Previous Project Management, Programme Management, or PMO leadership experience within government departments, public sector organisations, or government-funded programmes.
• Strong understanding of programme governance, delivery management, reporting, and assurance processes.
• Experience delivering complex transformation, digital, business change, or technology programmes.
• Proven experience managing risks, dependencies, stakeholders, and governance activities.
• Ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership.
• Strong organisational, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Key Skills

• Project & Programme Management
• Programme Governance & Controls
• Stakeholder Management
• Delivery Planning & Scheduling
• RAID Management
• Executive Reporting
• Change Control
• Benefits Realisation
• Assurance & Compliance
• Public Sector Programme Delivery

Security Clearance

Current SC (Security Check) clearance is highly desirable. Candidates who do not currently hold SC clearance must be eligible and willing to undergo the SC clearance process.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for a proactive delivery professional who can quickly establish credibility, bring structure to complex programmes, and drive successful outcomes. You should be comfortable working in fast-paced environments, managing competing priorities, and collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.

If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.