At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex programmes that protect national security and shape the future of defence.
- Company: Join Babcock, a respected defence organisation with a mission for safety and security.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, flexible working, and a matched pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing complex programmes and leading high-performing teams is essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Lead complex programmes that protect national security and shape the future of defence. At Babcock, we work to create a safe and secure world together. As a Programme Manager you will manage key programmes within our Mission Systems Sense and Connect portfolio, supporting intelligence and security programmes that have national importance. Your primary focus will be business management and delivery oversight of large, technically complex contracts, ensuring outcomes meet operational, commercial and strategic objectives. This high‑impact role offers visibility at senior level; your decisions will shape programme performance, stakeholder confidence and long‑term capability. You will lead multidisciplinary teams, collaborate with customers and partners, and champion continuous improvement while developing your leadership profile in a respected defence organisation.
The role day‑to‑day responsibilities include:
- Leading delivery and performance management of intelligence and security programmes across cost, schedule and quality
- Managing programme risks, issues and dependencies to ensure successful outcomes
- Establishing strong governance, controls and reporting aligned with business objectives
- Producing programme performance reports and driving corrective action where required
- Building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, customers and delivery partners
This role is full time, 37 hours per week and provides hybrid working arrangements with days onsite and days working from home.
Essential experience
- Extensive experience managing programmes delivering complex systems or equipment contracts
- Proven leadership of multidisciplinary, high‑performing teams
- Experience developing business cases, delivery plans and programme strategies
- Strong understanding of defence, intelligence or security‑led environments
- Ability to operate confidently at senior stakeholder level
Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent professional experience in delivering complex programmes
- Chartered Project Professional status or equivalent is desirable
- APM Project Risk Management qualification is advantageous
Security Clearance
The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance for this role. You must be a sole UK national.
Benefits
- 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 share scheme
- Employee shopping savings portal
- Payment of professional fees
- Reservists in the armed forces receive 10 days special paid leave
- Holiday trading to buy or sell annual leave
- Be Kind Day for paid volunteering each year
- Flexible working options to support work‑life balance
- A dynamic working environment where leadership, trust and purpose thrive
We are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email careers@babcockinternational.com with the subject header "Reasonable adjustments requirement". We are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements at interview.
Closing date: 08/05/2026
Programme Manager in Gloucester employer: Babcock International
Contact Detail:
Babcock International Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager in Gloucester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the defence sector, especially those who work at Babcock or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company and its projects. Knowing about their current programmes and challenges will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Think of examples where you've led teams or managed complex projects. Be ready to share how you tackled challenges and achieved results, as this is key for a Programme Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager in Gloucester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Programme Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing complex programmes and leading multidisciplinary teams, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see how you've led teams and managed projects in the past. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive performance and build relationships with stakeholders. This is key for a high-impact role like this!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and get straight to the point about your skills and experiences. This helps us see your potential quickly!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock International
✨Know Your Programmes
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific programmes you'll be managing. Understand their objectives, challenges, and how they align with national security. This will show your genuine interest and help you articulate how your experience fits.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership in multidisciplinary teams. Discuss how you've successfully managed complex projects, resolved conflicts, and driven performance. This is crucial for a role that requires strong governance and stakeholder management.
✨Understand the Defence Landscape
Brush up on current trends and challenges in the defence and intelligence sectors. Being knowledgeable about recent developments will not only impress your interviewers but also demonstrate your commitment to the field.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you can establish trust with stakeholders. Prepare to discuss strategies you've used in the past to build strong relationships and ensure successful collaboration. This is key for a role that involves significant interaction with senior stakeholders.