Senior Project Manager - Defence in Preston

Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to unlock potential in every person or project and redefine the boundaries of ambition. Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey.

We have an opportunity for an experienced Senior Project Manager to join our Defence team in Preston, supporting the delivery of a high‑profile, technically complex Defence programme of national importance. The role sits within an Integrated Client Team and involves leading critical work packages that contribute to the development of highly advanced systems within a secure and tightly controlled environment. Due to commence in late autumn to early winter, this position is suited to highly trusted professionals who can demonstrate sound judgement, professionalism and accountability while delivering assured outcomes on a strategically significant programme.

Note: Due to the security requirements of the role, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain UK security clearance.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Managing governance, strategy and execution for a portfolio of projects or a major work package, ensuring alignment with programme objectives and client expectations.
• Managing senior stakeholder interfaces across client organisations, delivery partners and internal teams, driving effective decision‑making and resolution of complex issues.
• Owning integrated baselines and forecasts across schedule, cost and scope, and ensuring robust change control and configuration management arrangements are maintained.
• Managing and developing project management capability through coaching, tasking and performance support, while promoting consistent and effective ways of working.
• Championing health, safety, wellbeing and security compliance, ensuring risks are clearly understood and effectively controlled throughout the delivery lifecycle.
• Providing senior leadership input to programme assurance activities, including readiness reviews, gateway reviews and audits, and driving continuous improvement across delivery.

You’ll need to have:

• A degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline and or a recognised project management qualification such as APM, PRINCE2 or PMI, or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience leading complex projects or major work packages within construction or infrastructure programmes.
• Experience working in regulated or high assurance environments such as defence, aviation, nuclear or major infrastructure.
• Strong commercial awareness with experience operating robust governance, stakeholder management and change control processes.
• Demonstrable experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and coordinating multiple delivery partners.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the confidence to engage and present at senior stakeholder level.
• Flexibility and willingness to travel to the Preston or Lancashire area as required.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain UK security clearance.

What’s on offer:

• Car allowance.
• Hybrid working.
• Medical health cover.
• Life insurance.
• Income protection insurance.
• Pension scheme.
• Discretionary annual salary reviews.
• Family friendly policies.
• 22 days annual leave + 2 Mace days + 3 days Christmas shutdown + 1 additional day leave for every 2 years of service + Bank holidays.

Our values:

• Safety first - Going home safe and well: We champion a safe, diverse and inclusive working environment, understanding the importance of wellbeing in every team.
• Client focus - Deliver on our promise: We own the quality of deliverables, strategic outcomes and build long term relationships with our clients.
• Integrity - Always do the right thing: We influence positive outcomes within our industry, while always aligning with our compliance obligations.
• Create opportunity - For our people to excel: We champion a continuous improvement culture throughout all activities, inspiring our people and teams to develop.

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfil all the criteria, please apply as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organisation. We are also open to discussing part time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable within the role.