Defence Programme Manager

Defence Programme Manager

Cambridge Full-Time 48000 - 84000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead complex defence programmes, ensuring timely delivery and stakeholder engagement.
  • Company: Leidos is a tech-driven company focused on making the world safer and more efficient.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 33 days of annual leave, flexible benefits, and a contributory pension scheme.
  • Why this job: Join a passionate team dedicated to impactful projects in defence and government sectors.
  • Qualifications: Experience in programme management, SAFe Agile, and strong communication skills required.
  • Other info: This role offers remote work flexibility with essential travel to customer sites.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.

We are in search of a Qualified and Experienced Programme Manager with Programme, Project and Service Management experience of medium to large size and high complexity deliveries (£20m – £70m p/a), who has experience within the Defence Industry.

Are you ready for your next challenge?

Candidates will need to have a breadth experience showing individual contribution or leadership within the following Business Lifecycle phases:

Management and leadership of BAU contract phase, including developing and delivering On Contract Growth.

Project intervention, problem resolution and Return-to-Green planning for Red and at-risk projects within complex environments e.g. policing and Intelligence domains.

Business Development Activities/Customer Engagement to shape requirements and offers, including Client-side working.

Develop and write innovative bids / proposals for new business which take into account a full assessment of the risks, opportunities and strategic growth priorities.

Start-up experience – mobilisation of contracts within complex environments.

Exit and contract close out.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Programme Manager for our Government client. Supporting a multi-functional team and to manage the scheduling of project delivery, change and new business. This position is a full time, permanent role and applicants will have and maintain DV clearance.

You will be self-motivated and be able to work autonomously and within a team to achieve day to day objectives with significant results on project or operational deliverables, whilst also owning a variety of activities ensuring compliance with project milestones and customer KPI’s and SLA’s. This is a strongly customer facing role and the Programme Manager will be expected to have excellent written and stakeholder management skills. You must also demonstrate an analytical and systematic approach to project and technical challenges.

Your Role and Responsibilities.

Provide Leadership to large team of multi-disciplined, geographically dispersed SMEs

Ensure that all projectsare deliveredon-time, within scope and within budget.

Produce internal and external reporting on a weekly, monthly and quarterly basis

Coordinate internal resources and third parties/vendors for the flawless execution of projects and proposals.

Contribute at weekly and quarterly customer briefings as a Leidos Representative

Management of programme scope, requirements and acceptance criteria

Lead the commercial programmatic decisions making process.

Managing project scopes and objectives for proposals involving all relevant stakeholders.

Ensure resource availability and allocation.

Manage the relationship with the client and all stakeholders.

Perform risk management tominimiseproject risks.

Establish and maintain relationships with third parties/vendors.

Create and maintain comprehensive project documentation.

We are looking for someone with excellent organisation, communication and leadership skills who can demonstrate:

Proven track record in successfully delivering complex programmes

Experience in SAFe Agile and Waterfall models of delivery cycles.

Good interpersonal skills and judgement for developing strong working relationships with Stakeholders in support of achieving objectives.

Ability to engage and work within a multi-functional programme team with an awareness of engineering principles.

Proven experience of Core Programme Management skills eg. Delivery Team Creation, Schedule creation, Risk Management and EVM.

A strong understanding of business, finance and personnel management techniques and the commercial aspects of projects.

The ability to communicate, negotiate and influence effectively with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Line management and leadership experience.

Certification to APM, Prince 2 or Agile Prince 2

The role will be as a mobile worker, working from home or a Leidos facility but visits to customer sites are essential. Training will be provided where necessary on any Leidos proprietary tools and processes.

Location: This role will have an element of working at a Leidos Facility, with frequent travel to customer sites in the South of England, there will be some flexibility for home working.

Clearance Required: This role will require attainment and maintenance of DV clearance and for the applicant to be a UK national.

Who We Are:

Leidos UK & EUROPE – we work to make the world safer, healthier, and more efficient through technology, engineering and science.

Leidos is a growing company delivering innovative technology and solutions focused on safeguarding critical capabilities and transformation in frontline services, our work in the United Kingdom includes addressing some of the most complex problems in defence, healthcare, government, safety and security, and transportation.

What we do for you:

At Leidos we are PASSIONATE about customer success, UNITED as a team and INSPIRED to make a difference. We offer meaningful and engaging careers, a collaborative culture, and support for your career goals, all while nurturing a healthy work-life balance.

We provide an employment package that attracts, develops and retains only the best in talent. Our reward scheme includes:

• Contributory Pension Scheme

• 33 days Annual Leave (including public and privilege holidays)

• Access to Flexible benefits (including life assurance, health schemes, gym memberships, annual buy and sell holidays and a cycle to work scheme)

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Commitment to Diversity:

We welcome applications from every part of the community and are committed to a truly diverse and inclusive culture. We foster a sense of belonging, welcoming all perspectives and contributions, and providing equal access to opportunities and resources for everyone. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages please let us know, and we will respond in a way that best fits your needs.

Original Posting:

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

Please note that if you are NOT a passport holder of the country for the vacancy you might need a work permit. Check our Blog for more information.

Bank or payment details should not be provided when applying for a job. Eurojobs.com is not responsible for any external website content. All applications should be made via the \’Apply now\’ button.

Created on 29/06/2025 by TN United Kingdom

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Defence Programme Manager employer: 00139 LEIDOS INNOVATIONS UK LTD.

Leidos is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation in the Defence sector. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive training opportunities and a generous benefits package, including 33 days of annual leave and a contributory pension scheme. Our inclusive culture values diverse perspectives, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
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Contact Detail:

00139 LEIDOS INNOVATIONS UK LTD. Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Defence Programme Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the Defence Industry and its specific challenges. Understanding the nuances of defence projects, especially in areas like policing and intelligence, will help you speak confidently about your relevant experience during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the defence sector. Attend industry events or join online forums to connect with current employees at Leidos or similar companies. This can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your application process.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your leadership experiences in detail. Since this role requires managing a large team, be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in complex environments, focusing on outcomes and lessons learned.

✨Tip Number 4

Brush up on your knowledge of project management methodologies, particularly SAFe Agile and Waterfall. Being able to articulate your experience with these frameworks will demonstrate your capability to manage diverse projects effectively.

We think you need these skills to ace Defence Programme Manager

Programme Management
Project Management
Service Management
Stakeholder Management
Risk Management
Business Development
Proposal Writing
Leadership Skills
Communication Skills
Analytical Skills
Agile Methodologies (SAFe)
Waterfall Methodologies
Budget Management
Contract Management
Team Coordination
Problem-Solving Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Time Management
Change Management
Documentation Skills
Client Engagement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in programme and project management, especially within the Defence Industry. Focus on specific projects you've managed that align with the job requirements, such as those involving complex environments or significant budgets.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should not only express your enthusiasm for the role but also demonstrate your understanding of the Defence sector. Mention your leadership experience and how it relates to managing multi-functional teams and delivering projects on time and within budget.

Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your skills in risk management, stakeholder engagement, and your familiarity with both SAFe Agile and Waterfall methodologies. Provide examples of how you've successfully navigated challenges in previous roles.

Showcase Your Achievements: Quantify your achievements where possible. For instance, mention specific outcomes from projects you led, such as improvements in efficiency, cost savings, or successful contract mobilisations. This will help illustrate your capability to deliver results.

How to prepare for a job interview at 00139 LEIDOS INNOVATIONS UK LTD.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Defence Programme Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in complex projects, focusing on your approach to managing diverse groups and resolving conflicts.

✨Understand the Business Lifecycle

Familiarise yourself with the various phases of the Business Lifecycle relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss your experience in managing BAU contracts, project interventions, and exit strategies, highlighting specific challenges you've overcome.

✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement

This role is customer-facing, so it's crucial to show your ability to engage with stakeholders effectively. Think of instances where you've shaped requirements or influenced decisions, and be prepared to discuss your communication strategies.

✨Demonstrate Risk Management Expertise

Risk management is key in this position. Be prepared to talk about your experience in identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks in previous projects. Use specific examples to illustrate your analytical approach and systematic problem-solving skills.

Defence Programme Manager
00139 LEIDOS INNOVATIONS UK LTD.
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