At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage exciting defence sector construction projects across the UK.
- Company: Dynamic construction consultancy with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and develop your skills in a thriving environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the defence sector while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: MRICS/MCIOB/MAPM qualified with experience in construction project management.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Reference: 4809179Job ID: 5401767Posted: 2026-06-26Closing date: 2026-09-25Location: Hampshire
- Salary: Up to 75,000 DOE (per annum)Job type: Permanent Working pattern: Full time
- Industry: Construction / Property and Surveying
- Company: Hays
Consultant: Jamie Poll Hays office: Southampton — Ground Floor, Clockwise, Mountbatten House, Grosvenor Square
Phone: 02382 020101Email: jamie. poll@hays. com Hays Property and Surveying is seeking a Programme Lead / Associate Project Manager to join a growing construction consultancy based in Portsmouth.
The company is a multidisciplinary construction consultancy providing services across project management, building surveying and design and building services.
Their client base is well-established, with a core focus on operating within the defence and local government sectors.
The business has a clear strategy, with ambitious growth plans and a healthy pipeline of projects.
The business is now looking to appoint a Programme Lead / Associate Project Manager who will lead and take ownership of a growing portfolio of defence sector projects across the UK.
The role will be based in Portsmouth, with a hybrid working policy available.
Your new role As Programme Lead, you will lead on multiple construction and estate projects on behalf of clients within the defence sector.
This is a client-facing leadership role combining programme management, technical delivery and commercial responsibility.
You will oversee all projects through all stages of the RIBA process, from initial feasibility, specification and design, through to construction delivery and handover.
This is a key position within the business, as you will act as the primary client interface, ensuring projects are clearly defined and key objectives are met on time and within budget.
Key Responsibilities –Act as the lead point of contact for defence clients, building strong relationships.
Manage and deliver multiple projects nationwide across all RIBA stages.
Attend site meetings, define scopes of work and identify risks.
Prepare comprehensive fee proposals for multidisciplinary services.
Lead and coordinate surveying and design teams to develop tender packages.
Oversee project delivery until project completion.
Manage project programmes, ensuring key objectives and milestones are met.
Take ownership of commercial performance, including forecasting and cost reporting.
Support and develop junior team members.
What you'll need to succeed MRICS / MCIOB / MAPM qualified, preferred.
A relevant degree in a construction discipline.
Proven experience in managing multiple construction projects and programmes of work.
Currently working in a Construction Consultancy or Client Side Project Management / Programme Management role.
Preferably hold experience of delivery projects within the Defence Sector or similar.
Proficient knowledge in a range of construction project management methodologies and processes.
Excellent knowledge of JCT and NEC contract forms.
Strong client-facing skills, stakeholder management and commercial awareness.
What you need to do now For more information regarding this, or any other opportunity, please contact our Southampton-based Property and Surveying specialist Jamie Poll on 07800755744. #4809179 - Jamie Poll
Programme Lead | Defence (Construction Consultancy) in Southampton employer: Hays
Join a vibrant secondary school that prioritises excellence in education and fosters a supportive community for both students and staff. As the Head of Mathematics, you will benefit from a competitive salary, ongoing professional development opportunities, and a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and growth. This role not only allows you to lead a dedicated team but also to make a significant impact on student achievement in a welcoming environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Lead | Defence (Construction Consultancy) in Southampton
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Hays, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Programme Lead | Defence (Construction Consultancy) at Hays.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Lead | Defence (Construction Consultancy) in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
