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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 allowance, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security and work with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme management within defence or aerospace is essential.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusion and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ 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?
- 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.
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.
- 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
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
Contact Detail:
Nova Systems 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 hunt for a Programme Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Nova Systems thoroughly, understand their values, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission. Practise common interview questions and think about how you can showcase your leadership and project management skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight specific projects you've led and the impact they had. Use metrics to back up your claims – numbers speak volumes in the defence industry!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Nova team and contributing to their mission.
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 for the Programme Manager role. Highlight your experience in defence and project management, and show how your skills align with our values at Nova Systems.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see your leadership style! Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, especially in complex environments. This will help us understand how you can contribute to our mission.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nova Systems
✨Know Your Programmes
Familiarise yourself with the specific defence programmes Nova Systems is involved in. Understand the key objectives, challenges, and recent developments in the sector. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your experience in managing multiple projects simultaneously and how you’ve driven growth and improvement. Be ready to discuss your approach to mentoring and developing high-performing teams.
✨Master Financial Acumen
Brush up on your financial management skills, especially regarding P&L and margin management. Be prepared to discuss how you've monitored financial performance and led commercial discussions in previous roles. This will be crucial for demonstrating your fit for the Programme Manager position.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about your experiences engaging with senior stakeholders. Prepare to share how you've managed expectations and outcomes effectively. This will showcase your communication and negotiation skills, which are vital for success in this role.