At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative programmes at a key UK defence site, shaping future capabilities.
- Company: Join Babcock, a global leader in defence and engineering.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, pension schemes, and health support.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security and infrastructure.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in programme management and stakeholder engagement.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ 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 Senior Programme Manager for the Integrated Logistics Hub (ILH) that will support our Devonport Royal Dockyard site.
The role involves playing a pivotal leadership role in shaping future capability, capacity and resilience across one of Europe's most strategically important defence sites. This is a rare opportunity to lead a complex, high-profile programme that will deliver lasting operational and business benefits whilst supporting critical national infrastructure.
This is not a traditional programme management role focused solely on plans, schedules and reporting. We are looking for a senior leader who is accountable for programme outcomes, integration, governance, change adoption, commercial performance and successful delivery.
- 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:
- Proven experience operating as a Senior Programme Manager within a complex organisation.
- Demonstrable experience leading multiple integrated workstreams and managing significant stakeholder complexity.
- Strong governance, commercial, financial and risk management capabilities.
- Ability to influence, challenge and engage senior stakeholders to achieve successful programme outcomes.
- Strong knowledge of programme and project management methodologies such as MSP, PRINCE2, Agile or equivalent.
Qualifications for the Programme Manager:
- 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.
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.
Babcock is a global FTSE 100 organisation with over 26,000 people working together to make a difference. Here, you’ll be part of something bigger. From initial design to final decommissioning, your work will contribute to products and services that are essential to national security and public infrastructure. Together, we’re building a future that lasts — not just through the impact we make, but through meaningful careers that respect your work-life balance.
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’re 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: 16/11/2026
Senior Programme Manager employer: Babcock International
Babcock is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and career development, offering a flexible hybrid working environment in the UK. With generous benefits such as a matched pension scheme, professional fee coverage, and unique initiatives like 'Be Kind Day' for volunteering, Babcock fosters a supportive and inclusive culture where employees can thrive while contributing to vital national security projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Programme Manager
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Senior Programme Manager at Babcock International!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Babcock International or be willing to refer you for that Senior Programme Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Babcock International who’s on the lookout for their next Senior Programme Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Senior Programme Manager role at Babcock International!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Programme Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Babcock International. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock International
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
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Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Babcock International. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
