Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative defence projects and manage a dynamic delivery team.
- Company: Join NCC, a leader in defence innovation and technology development.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salaries, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of UK defence technology while working in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management within the defence sector is essential.
- Other info: Located in Bristol, with potential for government security clearance.
The predicted salary is between 57800 - 74800 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Head of Projects – Defence Sector role at NCC – Innovating for Industry
Join to apply for the Head of Projects – Defence Sector role at NCC – Innovating for Industry
NCC – Innovating for Industry provided pay range
This range is provided by NCC – Innovating for Industry. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
Direct message the job poster from NCC – Innovating for Industry
Hiring for the National Composites Centre! Engineering, Research, IT, Graduate & Project Management Staff – Please get in touch if you work within…
Head of Projects – Defence Sector
National Composites Centre
Bristol based with hybrid working (2 days on site per week)
Salary: Competitive Salaries; Our average salaries for this role are £67,892 to £83,014, however open to discussion if your existing salary is above this range.
Security Clearance: You may be required to undertake government security clearance if successful. No existing clearance required.
Closing Date: 22nd July 2025 – applications may be reviewed during the advertising period.
Purpose of Role
Innovating for Defence – Innovation in defence is vital to UK national security
NCC has worked in partnership with defence customers since its inception. As a Centre of Excellence for Defence Innovation, we have an established national role in delivering cutting-edge products and technologies that address mission-critical challenges. This includes accelerating the development of advanced materials, digital engineering, process innovation and systems integration.
Located in the UK’s largest defence cluster, we are an innovation and development partner to industry and government. We are investing in building new (open and secure) innovation capabilities across our focus areas to deliver a truly unique capability.
In partnership with other centres in the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, we collaborate with the Ministry of Defence, defence industry primes and SMEs to create an integrated UK solution to future defence innovation.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in leading a rapidly growing area of the NCC, helping to shape the future of defence technology in the UK.
Reporting to the Director of Sector Delivery and leading the Defence Delivery Team.
Specific Responsibilities Include
- Strategic Roadmap development and delivery – Support the development of the sector or technology strategic roadmaps.
- Deliver the sector or technology business plan Revenue, Gross Margin and Impact targets.
- Lead the delivery team – currently made up of 8, with 2 direct reports. Expectation to potentially double in near future.
- Represent the team at senior leadership level, playing an active role as a delivery leader.
- Finance Management – Develop and deliver the business plan to achieve the agreed KPIs including Impact, Revenue and Gross Margin.
- Customer & Stakeholder Management – Develop stronger relationships with external and internal senior stakeholders, supporting the expansion of the Defence portfolio.
- Portfolio Governance – Lead the defence delivery team to ensure project delivery meets Time, Cost and Quality requirements.
- Business Development – supporting tenders, bids and identifying new business development opportunities.
Skills and Experience Required
We like to see diverse applications and generally prioritise people with experience across Defence, Manufacturing or Research & Development.
- Prior experience working at Programme Management or Head of Projects level.
- Defence sector background – current or previously.
- Engineering project experience – many of our project managers are ex-engineers.
- Willingness to undertake government security clearance, if required.
- Proven experience leading teams including full line management responsibilities.
- Experience managing and delivering projects – knowledge of project planning, budget management, resource management, RAID and reporting.
Desirable (apply if you have everything else please!) – Knowledge of composites technology, its development and application.
Why This Role?
- Help secure the future success of the NCC’s Defence portfolio — through structured, collaborative campaign delivery.
- Shape how we pursue and win major opportunities, working with a diverse and committed team.
- Operate at the heart of a growing Defence Delivery Team, contributing to its culture of excellence, inclusion and continuous learning.
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Not Applicable
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
-
Job function
Project Management
-
Industries
Manufacturing, Space Research and Technology, and Research Services
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at NCC – Innovating for Industry by 2x
Get notified about new Head of Section jobs in Greater Bristol Area, United Kingdom.
Greater Bristol Area, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Bristol, England, United Kingdom 1 day ago
Bristol, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Projects – Defence Sector employer: National Composites Centre
Contact Detail:
National Composites Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Projects – Defence Sector
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the defence sector. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with people who work at NCC or similar organisations. Building these relationships can give you insights into the company culture and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in defence innovation. Read up on recent projects by NCC and their partners to understand their focus areas. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership experience in detail. Since this role involves managing a team, be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led projects, managed budgets, and achieved KPIs in previous positions.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the security clearance process if you haven't already. Understanding what it entails and being prepared to discuss your willingness to undergo this process can demonstrate your commitment to the role and the organisation's needs.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Projects – Defence Sector
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in project management, particularly within the defence sector. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and successful project delivery.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your motivation for applying to NCC and how your background aligns with their mission in defence innovation. Mention any specific projects or achievements that relate to the role.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise skills such as finance management, stakeholder engagement, and business development. These are crucial for the Head of Projects role and should be backed up with concrete examples.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is essential for a leadership position.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Composites Centre
✨Understand the Defence Sector
Make sure to research the current trends and challenges in the defence sector. Being knowledgeable about recent innovations and technologies will show your genuine interest and understanding of the field.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Prepare examples that showcase your leadership skills, especially in project management. Highlight your experience in managing teams and delivering projects successfully, as this role requires strong leadership capabilities.
✨Familiarise Yourself with NCC's Mission
Understand NCC's role in defence innovation and their strategic goals. Be ready to discuss how your background aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their objectives.
✨Prepare for Security Clearance Questions
Since security clearance may be required, be prepared to discuss your willingness to undergo this process. Familiarise yourself with what it entails and be ready to answer any questions regarding your background.
