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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative projects in Defence, optimising costs and enhancing productivity.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking consultancy 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 with strong analytical skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
About the Role
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 only 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 employer: PwC
Contact Detail:
PwC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager – Cost & Productivity Consulting – Defence
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the Defence sector, attend industry events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t underestimate the power of personal connections when it comes to landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the latest trends in Defence cost optimisation and productivity. We should be ready to discuss how our skills align with the challenges outlined in the Strategic Defence Review 2025.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! Be ready to share examples of how you’ve tackled complex cost and productivity challenges in the past. We want to demonstrate our ability to deliver measurable outcomes under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in Defence.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager – Cost & Productivity Consulting – Defence
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role. Highlight your experience in cost optimisation and productivity improvement, especially within Defence or public sector environments. We want to see how your skills align with our mission-critical goals!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about transforming Defence operations. Share specific examples of how you've tackled complex challenges and delivered measurable outcomes in previous roles.
Showcase Your Data-Driven Approach: We love a rigorous, data-driven mindset! In your application, emphasise your analytical skills and how you've used data to drive decisions. This will show us that you can navigate ambiguity and turn insights into action.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at PwC
✨Know Your Defence Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current challenges and strategic ambitions of UK Defence. Understanding the implications of the Strategic Defence Review 2025 will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in cost optimisation and productivity.
✨Showcase Your Data-Driven Approach
Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've used data to diagnose and solve complex cost and productivity issues. Highlight your ability to break down problems into actionable insights, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Communicate with Confidence
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You’ll need to build trust with senior leaders and stakeholders, so being able to influence decisions and navigate complex landscapes is key. Consider mock interviews to refine your communication skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Change Management Skills
Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with delivering transformation programmes. Share how you've embedded change sustainably in previous roles, particularly in Defence or similar regulated environments, to show you can handle the demands of this position.
