Project Manager - Defence

Mace; Preston; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Hybrid working

Medical health cover

Life insurance

Income protection insurance

Pension scheme

22 days annual leave

Job summary

Mace is seeking a Project Manager to join their Defence team in Preston, overseeing the delivery of national importance projects. The role requires ensuring compliance with governance and contractual requirements while managing project risks and stakeholders.

Ideal candidates will have a relevant qualifications in engineering or construction management and demonstrate solid experience in complex project environments. The position offers a range of benefits, including hybrid working and a car allowance.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience delivering construction projects.
• Solid working knowledge of project management controls.
• Experience in regulated environments such as defence or aviation.

Responsibilities

• Manage the safe and successful delivery of projects.
• Develop integrated project delivery plans.
• Control change and manage risks and issues.
• Provide clear reporting on project progress.

Skills

Project Management

Communication

Risk Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

HND or degree in engineering/construction management

Job description

Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to unlock potential in every person or project and redefine the boundaries of ambition. Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey.

We are looking to appoint a Project Manager to join our Defence team in Preston, supporting the delivery of a high‑profile and highly regulated Defence programme of national importance. This role requires highly trusted professionals who can operate with discretion, integrity and accountability within a secure environment. Due to commence in late autumn to early winter, the position sits within an Integrated Client Team and offers responsibility for the safe and controlled delivery of complex construction and infrastructure projects within a long‑term Defence programme.

Note: Due to the security requirements of the role, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain UK security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Managing the safe and successful delivery of assigned construction and infrastructure projects in line with programme governance, client standards and contractual requirements.
• Developing and maintaining integrated project delivery plans covering scope, schedule, cost and resources, working closely with project controls, commercial and supply chain teams.
• Managing project risks, issues and opportunities, ensuring mitigations are clearly owned, progressed and reported.
• Controlling change through robust change management processes, maintaining configuration control and approvals in line with programme requirements.
• Coordinating and influencing multi‑disciplinary stakeholders across engineering, construction, HSE, security, quality, commercial and client organisations.
• Providing clear and accurate reporting on progress, forecasts, milestones and dependencies, and contributing to assurance reviews and stakeholder forums.
• Embedding a strong safety culture and supporting the Integrated Client Team’s One Team behaviours.

Qualifications

• A relevant qualification (HND or degree) in engineering, construction management, quantity surveying, project management or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrable experience delivering construction and/or infrastructure projects within complex programme environments.
• A solid working knowledge of standard project management controls, including planning, cost, risk, change and reporting.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders and supply chain partners in regulated or high‑assurance environments such as defence, aviation, nuclear or major infrastructure.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to influence, negotiate and resolve issues effectively.
• Flexibility to travel to the Preston or Lancashire area as required.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain UK security clearance.

Benefits

• 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.

We value

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.

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. Even if you feel you do not fulfil all the criteria, please apply as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organisation.

We are also open to discussing part time, flexible and hybrid working options if suitable with‑in the role.