At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex defence programmes and solve strategic challenges in maritime or aerospace.
- Company: Join a respected defence consultancy with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor junior consultants and build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on UK Defence while shaping future capabilities.
- Qualifications: Senior military experience or consultancy background in defence programmes required.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 105000 £ per year.
The Opportunity
We are supporting a leading defence and engineering consultancy as they continue to expand their Programme, Project and Portfolio Management (P3M) capability across some of the UK's most significant defence programmes. This is an opportunity to join a highly respected organisation at a time of sustained growth, working alongside senior leaders across the MOD and major defence industry partners. You will play a key role in shaping and delivering complex engineering and capability programmes that directly contribute to the future of UK Defence.
We are particularly interested in applications from senior military leaders (or recent leavers now working in a systems integrator/consultancy environment), including Royal Navy Captains, Commanders and Commodores, or Army Majors, Lieutenant Colonels and Colonels, who are looking to apply their leadership, delivery and stakeholder engagement experience within a consultancy environment.
The Role
As a Principal Consultant, you will lead the delivery of complex, high-value programmes across the maritime or aerospace domains, helping defence organisations solve some of their most challenging strategic and operational problems. You will build trusted relationships with senior MOD stakeholders, support business development activities, lead major bids and proposals, and provide programme leadership across a diverse portfolio of engineering and technology projects. Working closely with clients and internal teams, you will help define programme strategies, establish effective governance, manage delivery risk, and ensure successful outcomes across large-scale capability and transformation programmes. You will also support the development of junior consultants through coaching, mentoring and leadership.
The Person
You will be a senior defence leader with a strong track record of delivering complex programmes within either the maritime or aerospace environment. You will possess excellent stakeholder engagement skills and be comfortable influencing at senior executive level across the MOD, Defence industry, and wider Government community. Experience working on major Defence programmes, capability development initiatives, Defence acquisition, or strategic transformation activities will be highly advantageous. We are particularly interested in individuals with experience across submarine programmes, maritime aviation, air capability development, uncrewed and autonomous systems, defence policy, capability planning, or major engineering delivery programmes. Professional qualifications such as PRINCE2, MSP, APM PMQ, ChPP, AgilePM or equivalent programme and project management certifications would be advantageous. Most importantly, you will bring the credibility, leadership and commercial awareness required to build confidence, win trust, and drive successful outcomes in complex and evolving defence environments.
The role is offered on a hybrid basis with regular travel to offices and client sites in Bristol and Portsmouth as well as the North West of England. Salary is circa £85-105K plus benefits.
Principal Consultant - Defence Programme employer: JLA Resourcing Ltd
Join a leading defence and engineering consultancy that values your expertise and offers a dynamic work culture focused on collaboration and innovation. With opportunities for professional growth through mentoring and leadership development, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of UK Defence while enjoying a competitive salary and benefits package. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, with regular engagement at key locations such as Bristol and Portsmouth, ensuring you remain connected to both clients and colleagues.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Consultant - Defence Programme
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the defence sector! Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to former colleagues or mentors. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in delivering complex programmes. Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in the maritime or aerospace domains – this will show them you mean business!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework on the company and its projects before the interview. Be ready to discuss how your leadership and stakeholder engagement skills can contribute to their goals. Practising common interview questions can also help you feel more confident when it’s time to shine.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us not only shows your interest but also gives you a better chance of being noticed by hiring managers who are looking for top talent like you.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Consultant - Defence Programme
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Principal Consultant. Highlight your experience in delivering complex programmes, especially in maritime or aerospace environments. We want to see how your background aligns with the needs of our defence consultancy.
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. Share specific examples of your leadership and stakeholder engagement skills, and how they relate to the challenges we face in defence.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When filling out your application, be sure to showcase any relevant experience you have with major Defence programmes or capability development initiatives. We’re particularly interested in your achievements and how they can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at JLA Resourcing Ltd
✨Know Your Defence Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in the defence sector, especially within maritime and aerospace domains. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also demonstrate your genuine interest and understanding of the industry.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples from your military or consultancy background that highlight your leadership skills and stakeholder engagement. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led complex programmes and influenced senior stakeholders, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Understand Programme Management Methodologies
Brush up on programme management frameworks like PRINCE2, MSP, or AgilePM. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these methodologies in past projects, as this knowledge will be key in demonstrating your capability to manage large-scale programmes effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's current projects, future goals, and team dynamics. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values and work style.
