At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex defence programmes and establish a high-performing PMO.
- Company: Dynamic defence organisation with a focus on innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, career-defining role, and significant influence across the organisation.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional development and to work with cutting-edge technologies.
- Why this job: Shape the future of defence delivery and drive meaningful change.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in programme delivery and leadership in regulated environments.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
- Head of Programme Delivery / Enterprise PMO Leader
- Defence Sector | Cambridge (Hybrid) | SC Clearance Eligibility Required
Are you a proven programme delivery leader ready to shape the future of a growing defence organisation?
We are seeking an exceptional
Head of Programme Delivery to lead a diverse portfolio of complex programmes and projects, while establishing and driving an integrated, enterprise-wide PMO capability.
This is a strategic leadership opportunity where you will influence business performance, customer outcomes, and operational excellence across the organisation.
As the senior leader responsible for programme delivery, you will ensure projects and programmes are strategically aligned, effectively governed, and delivered successfully to meet customer commitments, business objectives, budgets, and quality standards.
The Opportunity
This role offers the chance to build and lead a high-performing Programme Management Office, bringing together Programme Managers, Project Managers, Controllers, Schedulers, and wider delivery teams into a cohesive, best-in-class delivery function.
You will play a critical role in enhancing programme performance, embedding project management maturity, improving governance, and driving continuous improvement across the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Programme & Portfolio Leadership
- Lead the delivery of multiple complex defence programmes and project portfolios valued between £10m and £100m+.
- Define and execute programme delivery strategies aligned to business objectives and contractual commitments.
- Provide executive oversight of programme performance, delivery milestones, financials, and key quality metrics.
- Ensure effective project launch, planning, resource allocation, and lifecycle management.
- Enterprise PMO Development
- Establish and lead an integrated PMO capability across the organisation.
- Implement and continuously improve programme management frameworks, governance processes, and delivery standards.
- Champion project controls, scheduling, reporting, and performance management disciplines.
- Drive consistency and excellence in programme execution across all business areas.
- Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of programme and project professionals.
- Create a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Recruit, mentor, and retain high-performing talent within the PMO and delivery functions.
- Set objectives, manage performance, and support professional development.
- Stakeholder & Business Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders.
- Work closely with customers, engineering, manufacturing, commercial, and operational teams to deliver enterprise-wide solutions.
- Support governance activities including project and programme reviews, gate reviews, and business performance reporting.
- Lead Integrated Business Planning and Sales & Operations Planning activities.
- Transformation & Continuous Improvement
- Drive programme delivery transformation and organisational change initiatives.
- Champion the use of digital tools, project controls, analytics, and reporting systems to improve decision-making and delivery outcomes.
- Identify and mitigate programme risks while proactively addressing customer challenges.
- Implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, quality, and performance across the programme lifecycle.
About You
You are an accomplished programme leader with significant experience delivering complex defence programmes in highly regulated environments.
Essential Experience
- Proven success delivering large-scale defence programmes and project portfolios valued between £10m and £100m+.
- Experience leading programme management teams of 10+ professionals.
- Strong background within Defence, MOD, DE&S, or prime contractor environments.
- Expertise in programme governance, controls, planning, risk management, and resource management.
- Demonstrated ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders and customers.
- Experience working within engineering and manufacturing organisations.
- Background in developing, transforming, or improving programme delivery functions and PMOs.
- Technical & Professional Qualifications
- Degree qualified in Engineering, Business, Defence Studies, or a related discipline.
• Professional accreditation such as
- Chartered Project Professional (Ch PP)
- Chartered Engineer (CEng)
- Or equivalent professional status
• Project or Programme Management certification, such as
- APM
- MSP
- PRINCE2
- Equivalent recognised qualifications
- Strong understanding of ERP/MRP systems and their integration with programme management processes.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
- Proficient with Microsoft 365 applications and modern project management tools.
- What's on Offer
- Opportunity to shape and lead an enterprise-wide programme delivery function.
- Strategic leadership role with significant influence across the organisation.
- Complex and meaningful programmes supporting critical customer outcomes.
- Hybrid working model –
3 days per week onsite in Cambridge .
- Career-defining position within a highly respected defence environment.
- Security Requirements
- Applicants must be eligible to obtain and maintain
UK Security Clearance (SC) .
If you're a senior programme leader with a passion for delivery excellence, organisational transformation, and leading high-performing teams, we'd love to hear from you.
Head of Programmes employer: ConSol Partners
Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and collaboration, offering a fully remote working environment for the Technical Author role. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the chance to work on high-profile defence programmes while enjoying the flexibility of remote work and occasional travel. Our supportive culture encourages continuous learning and development, making it an excellent place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the engineering field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Programmes
✨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 Head of Programmes at ConSol Partners!
✨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 ConSol Partners or be willing to refer you for that Head of Programmes 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 ConSol Partners who’s on the lookout for their next Head of Programmes 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 Head of Programmes role at ConSol Partners!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Programmes
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 ConSol Partners. 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 ConSol Partners
✨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!
✨Know Your Numbers
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 ConSol Partners. 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!
