Project Manager Ref. 3739

Overview

Flexible working: Due to the sensitive nature of our work, this role is fully office-based. However, we actively support a range of working patterns, including full‑time, part‑time, compressed hours and flexible working arrangements, to help maintain a healthy work‑life balance.

About us: We’re MI6, also known as the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS). Our mission is to protect the security and economic wellbeing of the UK from overseas threats such as regional instability, terrorism, and cyber‑attacks. Working across the globe and in close partnership with MI5 and GCHQ, we help the Government to counter these threats through the provision of secret intelligence. A role in MI6 will see you providing vital support to this work, within a supportive and encouraging environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Deliver projects that help protect the UK, often as part of a wider programme or portfolio.
• Manage projects across science, tech and finance from start to finish, leading and facilitating project meetings, keeping them focused, inclusive and outcome‑driven.
• Turn decisions into clear delivery plans, produced, maintained and updated as work progresses.
• Report on project progress, issues and risks in a clear, consistent way so stakeholders always have visibility of delivery.
• Apply risk management throughout, identifying, assessing and handling risks early, and working with others to mitigate them across short‑ and medium‑term projects, including digital transformation.
• Apply governance structures throughout delivery to maintain control, ensure compliance, and manage risk effectively.
• Work closely with delivery teams to drive problem‑solving, support conflict resolution when needed, and continuously improve ways of working.
• Engage effectively across technical and non‑technical stakeholders to ensure clear communication and aligned expectations.
• Contribute to the wider project management community through development sessions and shared learning.
• Remain within the Project Capability for a minimum of five years if successful.

Qualifications

• Self‑motivated problem solver with practical experience applying project management principles in real delivery environments, including risk, planning, assurance and delivery controls.
• Experience with project management approaches such as Waterfall, Agile, APM, PRINCE2 or hybrid methods where they fit best.
• Grounded understanding of project financials and ownership, and experience within formal governance structures that keep delivery on track.
• Experience spanning multiple stages of the project lifecycle, from early definition through to delivery and closure.
• Skilled communicator with effective interpersonal skills, comfortable influencing and collaborating with stakeholders at all levels, and mentoring less‑experienced colleagues.
• Pragmatic application of theory to real‑world projects, with resilience to adapt when priorities shift.
• Strategic mindset and problem‑solving skills to manage requirements and resources thoughtfully.
• Confidence to use project management approaches across different stages of delivery in context.

Training and Development

We take professional development seriously, and you’ll join a community that invests in helping people grow their skills. On joining, a full induction to MI6 is provided, alongside a team induction for a rounded view of the role. From there, on‑the‑job training supports your transition into the role. Develop your learning and seek opportunities as your career progresses. Access is available to tailored training, coaching, mentoring, and to pursue specialised career pathways within organisational change. The Government Project Delivery Capability Framework (PDCF) guides and nurtures talent at all levels. Support is provided to enhance your professional skillset and experience, including working towards full membership of the Association for Project Management (APM) or the Chartered Project Professional Programme (ChPP). Depending on experience and capability, training opportunities and support mechanisms are available to support progression towards APM certification within 12 months of joining the team.

Rewards and Benefits

• You’ll receive a starting salary of £50,740, plus a non‑pensionable skills payment of £4,198, payable from day one and reviewed annually.
• 25 days’ annual leave, automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service, plus an additional 10.5 days of public and privilege holidays.
• Opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme.
• An interest‑free season ticket loan.
• An excellent pension scheme.
• A cycle to work scheme.
• Facilities such as a gym, restaurant and on‑site coffee bars (at some locations).
• Paid parental and adoption leave.

Equal Opportunities

At MI6, diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those from under‑represented groups in our workforce, such as women, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities and those from low socio‑economic backgrounds. Find out more about our culture, working environment and diversity on our websites.

Eligibility and Security Clearance

To work at MI6, you must be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. The role requires the highest level of security clearance, known as Developed Vetting (DV).