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- Tasks: Lead transformative projects in Defence, optimising costs and enhancing productivity.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking team shaping the future of UK Defence.
- Benefits: Flexible working, private medical cover, and generous volunteering days.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in Defence or public sector cost transformation is essential.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are entering a new era for UK Defence - one that demands transformation not only in how we fight, but in how we operate, invest, and deliver value. As part of this transformation, the Defence Cost & Productivity solution group plays a critical role in enabling the UK to meet its strategic ambition: to be secure at home and strong abroad. This role sits at the heart of Defence’s response to the challenges outlined in the Strategic Defence Review 2025. With the UK facing heightened threats, fiscal pressures, and the imperative to restore warfighting readiness, cost optimisation and productivity are no longer optional - they are mission‑critical. The Defence Cost & Productivity team is central to ensuring that every pound spent delivers maximum operational impact, supports affordability, and strengthens the UK’s defence posture.
You will be part of a team that drives efficiency across Defence, enabling the delivery of enhanced capability and readiness through smarter investment, leaner processes, and a relentless focus on value for money. This includes supporting the Defence Reform and Efficiency Plan, unlocking savings through structural simplification, and embedding productivity metrics across programmes and portfolios.
Your Work Will Directly Contribute To:
- Reversing the ‘hollowing out’ of foundational capabilities.
- Supporting the Defence Investment Plan to ensure affordability and deliverability.
- Enabling innovation at wartime pace by aligning resources with strategic priorities.
- Strengthening Defence’s role as an engine for economic growth and national resilience.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of Defence delivery—ensuring that transformation is not bold, but also sustainable, affordable, and effective.
What Your Day Will Look Like:
- Supporting the design and delivery of high‑profile, technology‑enabled Cost & Productivity programmes for UK Defence organisations.
- Leading workstreams within larger transformation initiatives, ensuring successful implementation.
- Analysing and interpreting client challenges, contributing to the development of innovative solutions.
- Managing project delivery, tracking progress, risks, and budget while ensuring high‑quality outcomes.
- Contributing to the development of Cost & Productivity methodologies, tools, and best practices.
- Developing your expertise in Defence Cost & Productivity and stay ahead of emerging industry trends.
This Role Is For You If:
- You have experience working within or alongside Defence organisations, or in public sector cost transformation.
- You bring a rigorous, data‑driven approach to diagnosing complex cost and productivity challenges.
- You are comfortable working with ambiguity and can break down problems into actionable insights that drive measurable outcomes.
- You have a strong grasp of cost modelling, value analysis, and financial levers.
- You understand how to optimise cost structures without compromising operational effectiveness, and can articulate trade‑offs clearly to senior stakeholders.
- You have hands‑on experience delivering cost optimisation, productivity improvement, or transformation programmes—ideally in Defence, infrastructure, or other complex, regulated environments.
- You understand how to embed change sustainably.
- You are a confident communicator who can build trust with senior leaders, delivery teams, and external partners.
- You can challenge constructively, influence decisions, and navigate complex stakeholder landscapes.
What You’ll Receive From Us:
No matter where you may be in your career or personal life, our benefits are designed to add value and support, recognising and rewarding you fairly for your contributions. We offer a range of benefits including empowered flexibility and a working week split between office, home and client site; private medical cover and 24/7 access to a qualified virtual GP; six volunteering days a year and much more.
Senior Manager – Cost & Productivity Consulting – Defence in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: PwC UK
Contact Detail:
PwC UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager – Cost & Productivity Consulting – Defence in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the Defence sector on LinkedIn or at industry events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Senior Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by diving deep into the latest trends in Defence cost optimisation and productivity. We want you to showcase your knowledge and how you can contribute to the transformation efforts outlined in the Strategic Defence Review 2025.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to tailor your approach! When you apply through our website, make sure your application reflects your understanding of the specific challenges faced by Defence organisations. We’re looking for candidates who can articulate actionable insights clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. We appreciate candidates who show enthusiasm and professionalism, so let them know you’re keen on being part of their mission-critical team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager – Cost & Productivity Consulting – Defence in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in Defence and cost transformation. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects you've worked on!
Showcase Your Data-Driven Approach: Since this role requires a rigorous, data-driven mindset, be sure to include examples of how you've tackled complex cost and productivity challenges. We love seeing how you’ve used data to drive decisions and outcomes!
Communicate Clearly: As a confident communicator, it’s essential to articulate your thoughts clearly in your application. We’re looking for candidates who can build trust and influence decisions, so make sure your writing reflects that ability.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at PwC UK
✨Know Your Defence Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current challenges and strategic ambitions of UK Defence. Understand the implications of the Strategic Defence Review 2025 and how cost optimisation plays a critical role in addressing these challenges. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your awareness of the sector and its needs.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've used a data-driven approach to tackle complex cost and productivity issues. Be ready to explain how you broke down problems into actionable insights and the measurable outcomes that resulted from your efforts. This will highlight your ability to contribute effectively to the team.
✨Communicate with Confidence
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing trade-offs and stakeholder management. Being able to influence decisions and build trust with senior leaders is crucial in this role, so showcase your communication skills during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Change Management Experience
Be prepared to share your hands-on experience in delivering cost optimisation and transformation programmes. Discuss how you've embedded change sustainably in previous roles, as this will show your capability to navigate complex environments and ensure long-term success in Defence initiatives.
