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- Tasks: Lead and deliver complex defence programmes while driving growth and innovation.
- Company: Join Nova Systems, a leader in engineering services and technology solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, professional development, flexible working, and generous leave.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security and work with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Nova Systems is a leading engineering services and technology solutions company, partnering with our clients to keep our nations and people safe and secure. At Nova, we work collaboratively to achieve our vision and our strategic objectives, while staying true to our values of Trust, Professionalism, Community and Passion. We collectively contribute to a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace, valuing diversity in all its forms.
As Programme Manager for Nova Systems (International) Defence Capability Services, you will be a key member of the Advisory & Professional Services (APS) Team, helping shape the strategic direction and growth of the business. Reporting to the APS General Manager, you will lead the delivery of a diverse portfolio of defence programmes across Capability Management, P3M and Test & Evaluation, managing 10–20 concurrent projects with an annual value of circa £3m, with strong ambition for growth. Nova Systems has ambitions to grow this revenue rapidly and you will be instrumental in driving this growth.
What you’ll be doing
- Programme & Project Delivery
- Lead and assure the successful delivery of complex defence programmes, meeting time, cost, quality and performance objectives
- Provide strategic and practical leadership to improve programme management frameworks, consistency and delivery effectiveness
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational performance
- Engage confidently with senior stakeholders to manage risk, expectations and outcomes
- Commercial & Financial Management
- Full accountability for programme and project P&L down to gross margin level
- Monitor and report on financial performance, forecasts, risks and opportunities
- Lead commercial discussions with clients in collaboration with legal and commercial teams
- Deliver profitable outcomes aligned to agreed budgets
- Business Development & Growth
- Identify, shape and pursue new and follow on business opportunities
- Contribute to bid strategy, proposal development and tender responses
- Support capture activity and help grow Nova’s defence capability offerings
- Build and sustain senior level client and partner relationships
- People Leadership
- Line and functional management of Project Managers and delivery teams
- Optimise utilisation across programmes and the wider business
- Lead, mentor and develop high performing, engaged teams
- Champion inclusion, collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement
- Support workforce planning and organisational change initiatives
What are we looking for?
- Essential
- Significant programme and project management experience within defence and/or aerospace
- Proven leadership of technical professionals and/or engineers
- Strong financial and commercial acumen, including P&L and margin management
- Deep understanding of P3M, Capability Management and Test & Evaluation
- Experience contributing to successful bids and capture activities
- Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication and negotiation skills
- Consultancy or client facing experience
- UK Citizenship or NATO country passport
- Ability to obtain UK Government Security Clearance
- Desirable
- PRINCE2, MSP or PMP certification
- Lean Six Sigma qualification
Why Join Us
At Nova Systems, you’ll be part of a mission-driven team that values innovation, trust, and collaboration. We offer a supportive environment for learning and development, backed by our professional development allowance, mentoring, and opportunities to work on impactful UK and global defence projects.
Benefits & Perks
- 8.5 Matched Salary Sacrifice Pension
- Up to £3000 Annual Professional Development Allowance
- 5 days Development Leave
- 25 days Annual Leave + UK Public Holidays
- Enhanced Parental Leave
- Reservist Leave
- Loyalty Leave
- Private Medical Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Upto 6 Weeks Sick Pay
- Employee Assistance Program
- Reward & Recognition Programme
- Discounts and more
- Flexible and Hybrid working
- Free Parking
Office Location and ways of working
You can be based anywhere but as we have offices in Bristol and High Wycombe you must be prepared to be in the Nova office(s) and at client sites in line with business needs. We have regular team and department collaboration days at the Nova offices. We have hybrid working and on average most of us are in the office and/or with clients 3 days a week, and work 2 days from home.
PLEASE NOTE
This role requires pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and in relation to our work for defence, security and intelligence this position requires applicants and our employees to hold a UK or NATO country passport and be able to gain a high level of security clearance to undertake the projects we are involved in to protect us from security threats.
We are committed to increasing diversity of staff within Nova Systems International and within the aerospace and engineering sector. We welcome applications from everyone who meets the requirements of the role description, and we are committed to equal opportunity, equal treatment, and respect for every individual. At Nova Systems International we are proud supporters of the Armed Forces Covenant. We recognize the value that serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and military families bring to our business. We offer, and value, flexible working and we are also proud to be committed to mental health awareness and to actively support the wellbeing of our team. If you have special access requirements, please do let us know.
Programme Manager - Defence Capability Services in Bristol employer: Nova Systems International
Contact Detail:
Nova Systems International Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager - Defence Capability Services in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Nova Systems and their projects. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their mission. Tailor your responses to highlight your experience in programme management and stakeholder engagement.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led teams and managed complex projects in the past. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive growth and improve operational performance.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining the Nova team and being part of something impactful.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager - Defence Capability Services in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in programme and project management, especially within defence or aerospace. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Nova Systems!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Programme Manager, you'll be leading teams and projects. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership experience and how you've successfully managed diverse teams in the past. We love seeing examples of mentorship and team development!
Highlight Financial Acumen: Since you'll be responsible for P&L and margin management, make sure to include any relevant financial experience in your application. We’re keen on candidates who can manage budgets effectively and drive profitable outcomes.
Engage with Our Values: At Nova Systems, we value trust, professionalism, and community. Reflect these values in your application by sharing experiences that demonstrate your commitment to inclusion, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Don’t forget to apply through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nova Systems International
✨Know Your Programmes
Familiarise yourself with the specific defence programmes that Nova Systems is involved in. Understand the key objectives, challenges, and recent developments in these areas. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you engage confidently with interviewers about how you can contribute to their success.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and managing projects. Focus on situations where you've driven successful outcomes, improved frameworks, or mentored team members. This aligns perfectly with the role's emphasis on people leadership and continuous improvement.
✨Master the Financials
Brush up on your financial acumen, especially regarding P&L management and margin oversight. Be ready to discuss how you've monitored financial performance in past roles and how you can apply this knowledge to ensure profitable outcomes at Nova Systems.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think of instances where you've successfully engaged with senior stakeholders. Prepare to discuss your communication and negotiation strategies, as well as how you've managed expectations and risks. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the complexities of stakeholder engagement in a defence context.