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- Tasks: Lead approvals and assurance for high-profile defence programmes, ensuring timely delivery.
- Company: Join a key player in the defence sector with a focus on governance.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a chance to influence critical defence projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while working with senior military and civilian stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Active DV clearance and experience in programme governance within high-security environments.
Role: Approvals & Assurance Lead / Programme Governance Manager
Location: Corsham (Hybrid; 3 to 4 days per week on-site)
Rate: Up to £600 per day Inside IR35
Duration: 6-month rolling
Start Date: Early/Mid-June 2026
Clearance: Active MOD DV
As the Approvals & Assurance Lead, you will be responsible for driving approvals and assurance for high-profile defence programmes, translating technical progress into assured delivery for senior military and civilian stakeholders. This role is central to ensuring that complex, classified milestones are delivered on time, within budget, and in full compliance with government standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Milestone Governance: Lead the end-to-end approvals process for programme milestones, ensuring all delivery stages meet formal sign-off criteria.
- Assurance Oversight: Provide critical oversight by ensuring teams adhere to MoD and Government standards, processes, and controls.
- Reporting & Analytics: Track programme health through high-level dashboards, RAID logs, and milestone reporting for senior governance boards.
- Stakeholder Diplomacy: Coordinate effectively across a complex landscape of military personnel, civil servants, and prime contractors.
- Risk Management: Identify and flag 'red flags' early where evidence, compliance, or planning is off-track to prevent project delays.
The successful candidate must hold active DV clearance and possess a proven track record of delivering programme governance within the MoD or a high-security government environment. You will bring a deep understanding of the MoD approvals lifecycle (IAC/JSP) and the technical rigour required to manage complex data sets for executive reporting. Exceptional communication skills are essential, as you will be expected to influence and challenge senior stakeholders to keep milestones on track.
Programme Governance / PMO - DV Cleared in Corsham employer: IO Associates
Contact Detail:
IO Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Governance / PMO - DV Cleared in Corsham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Programme Governance role. Personal recommendations can make all the difference, so don’t be shy about asking for introductions.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of MoD standards and the approvals lifecycle. We recommend creating a cheat sheet of key terms and processes to help you articulate your expertise confidently when it counts.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills! During interviews, practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. This will demonstrate your ability to influence and engage with senior stakeholders effectively, which is crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Governance / PMO - DV Cleared in Corsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Approvals & Assurance Lead. Highlight your experience in programme governance and any relevant MoD or high-security government work. We want to see how your skills match 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 the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of how you've driven approvals and assurance in past projects, and don’t forget to show off your communication skills.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills: In this role, you'll be coordinating with a variety of stakeholders. Make sure to include examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to manage relationships and influence senior personnel effectively. We love seeing those diplomatic skills in action!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at IO Associates
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the MoD approvals lifecycle and the specific requirements for the role. Brush up on key terms like IAC/JSP and be ready to discuss how you've navigated similar processes in the past.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be influencing senior stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare examples where you've successfully communicated complex information to diverse audiences, especially in high-pressure environments.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your risk management skills. Think of scenarios where you've identified 'red flags' in projects and how you addressed them. Be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your actions.
✨Understand Stakeholder Dynamics
Familiarise yourself with the different types of stakeholders you might encounter, from military personnel to civil servants. Prepare to discuss how you would coordinate effectively across these groups to ensure smooth project delivery.