Programme & Construction Manager 1

Serco have an exciting new role for a Programme & Construction Senior Project Manager in our Estates department. Serco is responsible under the DACI and PFI contracts for delivering planned, reactive, SV/ARC variation projects as well as AMP Estates projects across the Defence Academy site. As a Client-Side Project Manager accountable for the delivery of projects, the role will manage and deliver a broad portfolio of estates projects, requiring an individual with experience of managing major construction projects from inception to completion, with values ranging from £2M to £40M. These projects include infrastructure upgrades, refurbishments, M&E systems, plant replacements, and sustainability initiatives such as decarbonisation and renewables.

Key Responsibilities:

• Project Programming: Lead the planning and programming of multiple concurrent projects, ensuring robust schedules and resource plans are in place for each phase.
• Pre-Works Management: Oversee all pre-works activities, including site assessments, contractor selection, and initial coordination meetings.
• Team Management: Manage a team of project managers and contractors, providing clear direction and support to ensure all projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Client Relationship: Act as the primary point of contact for the client, building and maintaining a strong, positive relationship.
• Delivery Focus: Strong on delivery, focus will be on programming, coordination, and ensuring all pre-works and works are executed to the highest standards.
• Reporting: Provide regular updates to the Head of Estates on project progress, risks, and milestones.
• Lead the delivery of full lifecycle projects in a complex, fast-paced environment.
• Manage multi-disciplinary project teams to meet objectives on time, within scope and budget.
• Create and maintain robust business cases, plans, budgets, and governance structures.
• Provide expert advice and reports for cost management, procurement and analysis of works.
• Work closely with Building Surveyors, Project Managers and external consultants to develop Employer's Requirements documents, tender documentation and reports.
• Maintain control of procurement activity undertaken, liaising with Serco's procurement colleagues and strategy.
• Adhere to all company protocols and procedures.
• Subject all areas of responsibility to continuous review with the objective of identifying and implementing improvement and cost saving measures.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a positive proactive approach to the role, and will be committed to delivering customer service excellence, with good commercial results. Able to achieve BPSS clearance. Significant demonstrable experience in similar specialist roles gained in a client, consultant or contractor capacity. A track record of working with teams and managing projects by prioritising workloads and delivering deadlines. Proven Pre-Works Management: Demonstrated experience in pre-works management and coordination, ideally within technical, construction, or facilities environments. Project Portfolio Oversight: Experience managing multiple projects (ideally 7-10) simultaneously, with budgets between £500K - £40M each. Client-Facing Skills: Exceptional client relationship management skills, with the ability to respond quickly and effectively to client feedback. Team Leadership: Experience managing project managers and contractors, ensuring clear communication and accountability. Programming Skills: Ability to develop and maintain detailed project schedules and resource plans.

The Defence Academy sits within a beautiful and secure site which hosts 2 lakes and is surrounded by acres of scenic woodland. The Academy trains the future commanders and staff officers of all three UK Armed Services and those from many countries around the world.

Other Benefits:

• Free, secure onsite parking.
• Opportunity to join many sports and activity clubs (heavily subsidised subscription costs).
• Gym membership, the site boasting 2 fully equipped gymnasiums.
• 18-hole golf course (annual membership circa £375).
• Fully equipped riding stables, with the opportunity for lessons.
• Other sporting facilities include tennis courts, Astro-turf football pitches and much more.
• Pension: Up to 6% contributory pension scheme.
• Holidays: 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Training and development: A wide range of learning opportunities with over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships, mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression.
• Wellbeing: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, BUPA Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, Simplyhealth cash plans to claim back money towards healthcare costs, 30% off at Serco-managed leisure centres.
• Discounts: Save across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel.
• Employee networks: Dedicated networks where colleagues can come together to find support, share challenges, network and be part of a community.
• Charity: Support a charity or organisation with a paid volunteering day each year. You can also choose to donate to your favourite charity tax-free, through our Payroll Giving Scheme.