Project Manager - Defence - London

At Turner & Townsend, we’re passionate about making the difference. That means delivering better outcomes for our clients, helping our people to realise their potential, and doing our part to create a prosperous society. Every day, we help our major global clients deliver ambitious and highly technical projects in over 110 offices worldwide. Turner & Townsend within the UK has a wide range of key clients in various sectors, including Health, Local Authorities, Higher Education, Highways, Utilities, Rail, and Defence.

Our diverse portfolio of clients provides our team members with unique and rewarding opportunities to gain experience across a broad range of major programmes and projects. Turner & Townsend are a key Tier 1 supplier of project and programme management services to the Ministry of Defence and strategic Defence suppliers in the UK. We play a crucial role in supporting the defence of the United Kingdom, whilst ensuring our clients achieve better outcomes.

Important: Before applying, due to the sensitive nature of these projects, you must be a SOLE UK National who is able to achieve and maintain UK MoD Security Clearance (SC). Already holding SC Clearance is desirable; however, we advise that if you feel you would be a great candidate for this role, please apply.

About Us: Turner & Townsend’s Defence South East Cost Centre provides support to Defence projects and programmes that range in complexity and size. Our service offering includes programme & project management, controls & performance management, cost management and procurement. We are actively looking to expand the Defence South East team due to client requirements; we’re looking for talented individuals to join us to support the delivery of our growing client portfolio. These individuals should expect to further develop their careers through working on a range of complex and challenging commissions, whilst being part of an engaging and high performing team.

Role Overview and Purpose: We are looking for experienced project managers to play a key role in delivering high-profile projects across the Defence Sector. As part of our growing team, you will work on complex, large-scale programmes, helping our clients to overcome challenges and achieve their objectives. Based in our London office, you will collaborate with colleagues and clients across the South East of England, balancing remote, office-based, and on-site working.

Owing to the nature of our business and our diverse portfolio of clients, no two roles are the same and we encourage candidates with different backgrounds, skills and experiences to apply.

Working Location: Turner & Townsend recognise the importance of helping its employees harmonise their work and home life by offering hybrid working, enabling them to balance their working life with other priorities. At the same time, T&T recognises that employee office and site attendance must always remain in line with the demands of the business and clients. Currently, we anticipate you being on client sites or Turner & Townsend offices 60% of your time (~3 days a week), but this may flex depending on client and business requirements.

About you: As a candidate for this role, you will not only have project management experience built from a career in the Defence Sector (or a similar, relevant sector), but you will also want to be part of a high‑functioning team focused on delivering world‑class outcomes to our ever‑growing network of Defence clients.

Qualifications:

• Leading and managing project teams, delivering successful outcomes through collaboration and strategic leadership.
• Experience in project management competencies aligned to the APM framework, such as risk management, schedule management, and governance & assurance.
• Overseeing budgets, forecasting, and ensuring projects are delivered within financial parameters.
• Experience working within the Defence Sector; experience working with MoD either directly or via industry.
• Developing business cases in line with Government standards that clearly outline project objectives, costs, and benefits.
• Building and maintaining trusted advisor relationships with clients, ensuring long‑term success.
• Ability to coordinate contractors, consultants, and advisors across multiple projects.
• An ability to adapt to the management of different types of projects, e.g., construction, manufacturing, capability projects etc.
• Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
• Project Management Qualification (PRINCE2, APM PMQ, AGILE).
• NEC4 ECC PMA Managing Successful Programmes (MSP).
• Membership of the Association for Project Management (MAPM).
• Must have or be able to attain UK MoD Security Clearance (UK Passport Holder) – this is essential.
• Experience working with UK Government organisations.
• Experience working within the Nuclear Sector.
• Understanding and experience of MoD procurement procedures.
• Familiarity with JSPs, DEFCONS, CADMID Cycle.

Additional Information:

Security Clearance: Important: Before applying, due to the sensitive nature of these projects, you must be a Sole UK National who is able to achieve and maintain UK MoD Security Clearance (SC). Many of the clients and projects we support are subject to MoD security clearance and Trade Control restrictions. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and any residency you hold or have held.

Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and have active networks who are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community. Our “One Employee Network (OEN)” is a unified umbrella, developed to influence, champion and support Turner & Townsend’s ambition to become a more diverse, equitable and inclusive organization.

As well as advocating for employees who identify with specific groups and communities, our networks such as but not limited to DE&I, Unity, Women’s Network, Wellbeing, Military, Parents and Carers enhance and share best practice and encourage dialogue across our business.

SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.