At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative programmes to modernise UK defence infrastructure and enhance national security.
- Company: Join Babcock, a global leader in engineering and defence with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, pension schemes, health support, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national defence while developing your career in a world-class organisation.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme management within complex environments and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Lead transformation at the heart of UK defence infrastructure. At Babcock, we're working to create a safe and secure world, together, and if you join us, you can play your part as the programme manager for the Babcock Capability Centre (BCC) in Plymouth City Centre.
The role involves taking a pivotal leadership role in shaping the future capability, capacity and resilience of one of Europe's most strategically important defence sites. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a complex programme that will modernise how Babcock operates at Devonport, delivering new infrastructure, strengthening systems and transforming the way we support national defence.
Day-to-day, you'll make a tangible difference to the UK's security by ensuring our BCC programme delivers real world outcomes that matter. In return, you'll develop your career within a world class engineering and defence organisation that offers continuous growth, meaningful work and the chance to influence large scale change from day one.
- Lead the delivery of a major programme from set up through to benefits realisation and closure.
- Shape programme vision, blueprint and delivery strategy, ensuring alignment across wider portfolios.
- Manage risks, issues, dependencies, budgets and reporting at programme level.
- Engage and influence senior leaders, delivery partners and external stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and coordinated activity.
- Drive continuous improvement, embedding best practice in programme and project management.
This role is full time, 35 hours per week and is based on site at Devonport Royal Dockyard.
Essential experience of the Programme Manager:
- Experience leading programmes within complex environments such as defence, infrastructure, regulated industries or public sector.
- Leading programmes relating to building regeneration and/or relocation of personnel is desirable.
- Proven ability to manage competing priorities, interdependencies and multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong capability in programme and project management methodologies (e.g., MSP, PRINCE2, Agile).
- Confident leadership, communication and influencing skills at senior stakeholder level.
- Financial acumen, including business case development, investment appraisal and benefits tracking.
Qualifications for the Programme Manager:
- Degree level education in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience.
- MSP or recent experience operating in a similar programme leadership context.
Security Clearance: The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) security clearance for this role. Many of the positions within our company are subject to national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions. This may affect your eligibility for certain roles based on place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and any residency you hold or have held.
What we offer:
- Generous holiday allowance.
- Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance.
- Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+.
- Employee shopping savings portal.
- Payment of Professional Fees.
- Reservists in the armed forces receive 10 days special paid leave.
- Holiday Trading allows UK Babcock employees to buy additional leave or to sell up to one working week of annual leave from their annual entitlement.
- Be Kind Day enables employees to take one working day's paid leave a year (or equivalent hours) to undertake volunteering work with their chosen organisation or registered charity.
We are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email careers@babcockinternational.com with the subject header "Reasonable adjustments requirement". We are committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone's free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working - please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.
Closing date: 05/05/2026
Babcock We're Babcock - a global FTSE 100 organisation with over 26,000 people working together to make a difference.
Babcock Capability Centre Programme Manager in Devon employer: Babcock International
Contact Detail:
Babcock International Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Babcock Capability Centre Programme Manager in Devon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Babcock employees on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the company culture and what they really value in a Programme Manager.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to programme management. We should focus on our experience with complex environments and how we've led teams through challenges. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our leadership skills! During interviews, we need to highlight specific examples where we've influenced senior stakeholders and driven change. Real-world outcomes matter, so let’s make them count!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re genuinely interested in being part of the Babcock team.
We think you need these skills to ace Babcock Capability Centre Programme Manager in Devon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Programme Manager role. Highlight your experience in leading complex programmes, especially in defence or infrastructure. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to the Babcock Capability Centre. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasise your leadership and communication skills. We’re looking for someone who can engage with senior stakeholders and lead multidisciplinary teams, so make sure to provide examples of your past successes!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock International
✨Know Your Programme Management Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your programme management methodologies like MSP, PRINCE2, and Agile. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in complex environments, especially in defence or infrastructure. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the terms but can actually implement them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, particularly in managing multidisciplinary teams and competing priorities. Think of specific situations where you influenced senior stakeholders or drove continuous improvement. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the BCC programme successfully.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with Babcock's mission and the strategic importance of the Capability Centre. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with their goals for national defence. Showing that you understand the context of the role will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Security Clearance Questions
Since this role requires Security Check (SC) clearance, be prepared to answer questions about your eligibility. Familiarise yourself with the criteria and think about any potential concerns that might arise. Being upfront and knowledgeable about this process will reflect well on your candidacy.