The Role
As a Senior Project Manager (Defence Construction) you will be joining an established programme and project management team within AECOM’s Defence business. You will lead multi-disciplinary teams delivering projects across the full RIBA lifecycle, from early concept and feasibility through design, procurement, construction, and handover.
The role involves managing NEC contracts (PSC and ECC), ensuring compliance with MOD and DIO governance frameworks, and working closely with client stakeholders, consultants, and contractors to deliver assured, value-driven outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the successful delivery of Defence construction and infrastructure projects through all RIBA stages, ensuring compliance with DIO, JSP, and MOD approvals frameworks.
- Provide project leadership and management of multidisciplinary teams to deliver within programme, budget, and quality expectations.
- Act as NEC Project Manager or Client Representative, providing clear contract and commercial management.
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with DIO, TLBs, and site users, fostering collaboration across multiple organisations.
- Support the development of junior project managers, graduates, and apprentices through mentoring and on-the-job learning.
- Ensure projects align with sustainability, security, and safety requirements, reflecting AECOM’s and the MOD’s governance standards.
- Contribute to business development by supporting bids, proposals, and client engagement activities within the Defence sector.
Minimum Requirements
- Proven experience in project management, ideally under MOD, DIO, or Crown commercial frameworks.
- Strong working knowledge of NEC3/NEC4 contracts, ideally with accreditation or equivalent experience as Project Manager.
- Demonstrated experience leading complex multi-disciplinary teams and managing design and construction delivery.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and organisational skills.
- Proficient in modern project management and digital tools, including MS Project and collaborative delivery platforms.
- Strong client-facing capability with the ability to develop trusted relationships.
- Eligible for, or holding, UK Security Clearance or higher and sole UK national.
Qualifications
- Degree in Project Management, Engineering, Construction, or related discipline.
- Professional qualification such as MAPM, MRICS, MCIOB, or equivalent, with evidence of CPD and leadership in the profession.
- Understanding of MOD governance processes (e.g. Approvals, RIBA, Business Case, Security Accreditation).
- Project Management qualification (e.g. APMQ, PRINCE2).
- Experience working on projects under Government, MOD or DIO frameworks.
- Eligible for, or holding, UK Security Clearance.
Benefits
At AECOM, you'll enjoy a range of core and personalised benefits designed to support your future and well-being, customised to fit your lifestyle. Take advantage of career development opportunities, our flexible hybrid working model to ensure a work-life balance that suits your lifestyle, technical practice networks, AECOM University, and volunteering days.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Senior Project Manager (Defence Construction Consultancy) in Cardiff employer: AECOM
At AECOM, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive career development opportunities, flexible hybrid working arrangements, and a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion. Join us in our mission to deliver a better world while enjoying the benefits of working with a global leader in infrastructure consulting.
