Defence Programme Project Manager (Hybrid) in Bristol

At Turner & Townsend, we are committed to helping you thrive — both professionally and personally. Our culture is founded on trust, flexibility and the belief that people perform at their best when they feel supported and empowered. We are united by a core principle: making the difference matters. Joining us means becoming part of a purpose‑driven organisation where diverse expertise comes together to serve, support and protect those who serve and protect us.

From your first day, you will be exposed to unique and complex environments. You will contribute to programmes across air, land, sea, cyber and space, gaining experience that strengthens your capability and advances your career. You will work alongside leading professionals in the defence, aerospace and security sectors, all aligned to a shared vision of being the premier international partner in our field.

As part of our growing team, you will play a vital role in supporting clients to deliver major programmes that enhance national capability and transform the defence landscape. You will be based from your local office, working in a hybrid model and collaborating with colleagues and client teams across the UK. This is an opportunity to contribute to work of national importance — and to grow within a business that values expertise, collaboration and long‑term relationships.

What You’ll Deliver

• Lead and develop project teams or workstreams, driving performance and delivering results through others.
• Apply strong commercial awareness, including monthly budgeting, forecasting and managing project finances.
• Bring sector knowledge across infrastructure or related business areas.
• Shape and articulate Project Business Cases, defining objectives, costs and benefits to demonstrate value to stakeholders.
• Apply proven project management skillsets to ensure successful delivery.
• Build trusted, long term relationships with clients as a strategic advisor.

Desired Experience

• Experience working with UK Government organisations — particularly in defence — is highly beneficial.
• A background in project and/or programme management, adding value from early strategic planning through to implementation, construction and delivery.
• Knowledge of procurement and experience managing NEC contracts is a strong advantage.
• Experience managing contractors, consultants and advisors on infrastructure projects.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and build trust.
• A proactive, solutions focused mindset with the confidence to challenge, advise and drive progress.
• Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams across client and internal environments.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, supported by relatable professional experience.
• Project Management qualification such as PRINCE2, APM PMQ or AGILE.
• Member of the Association for Project Management (MAPM).
• Managing Successful Programmes – Practitioner (MSP) or APMP.
• Certified Project Management Associate or equivalent accreditation.

Security Requirements

Due to the sensitive nature of the work involved in our specialist defence projects, candidates will be required to hold, or be eligible to obtain, Security Clearance (SC). To meet the criteria for this level of clearance, applicants must:

• Be a sole British National
• Hold a valid UK passport

Additional Information

We embrace a hybrid approach to work. This means you may collaborate with colleagues from home, a Turner & Townsend office, or client sites across the region (on a weekly basis). We use technology to stay connected, collaborate effectively, and deliver excellence — wherever we are. Our hybrid working approach gives you the flexibility to balance your professional and personal life, supporting wellbeing and long‑term sustainability. At the same time, there will be moments when in‑person collaboration is essential, and you will need to travel when required typically 2-3 days per week.

At Turner & Townsend, you’ll build a career with purpose and possibility where you can expect the following:

• Competitive packages with a range of benefits that are reviewed every year
• Meaningful, high impact work
• Lifelong learning and development
• A supportive, people focused culture
• Recognition for your contribution

Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our success. We’re proud of a culture where people with different perspectives, experiences and backgrounds come together to achieve excellence. We believe that when everyone feels they belong, everyone thrives.