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- Tasks: Lead complex programmes that protect national security and shape the future of defence.
- Company: Join Babcock, a leader in defence, aerospace, and engineering innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, flexible working, and a matched pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing complex programmes and leading high-performing teams.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Lead complex programmes that protect national security and shape the future of defence. At Babcock, we’re working to create a safe and secure world, together. If you join us, you can play your part as a Programme Manager at our Tewkesbury site, near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Operating across defence, aerospace and engineering, Babcock delivers critical capabilities that protect people, infrastructure and national interests. Our Mission Systems business sits at the forefront of innovation in intelligence, cyber and secure communications supporting customers where trust, resilience and performance are essential.
The role
As a Programme Manager, you’ll play a pivotal leadership role within our Mission Systems Sense and Connect portfolio, supporting intelligence and security programmes of national importance. Your primary focus will be the business management and delivery oversight of a large, technically complex contract, ensuring outcomes meet operational, commercial and strategic objectives. This is a high‑impact role offering visibility at senior level, where your decisions will shape programme performance, stakeholder confidence and long‑term capability. You’ll lead multidisciplinary teams, work closely with customers and partners, and champion continuous improvement while developing your own leadership profile within a highly respected defence organisation.
Day‑to‑day responsibilities
- Leading delivery and performance management of intelligence and security programmes across cost, schedule and quality
- Managing programme risks, issues and dependencies to ensure successful outcomes
- Establishing strong governance, controls and reporting aligned to business objectives
- Producing programme performance reports and driving corrective action where required
- Building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, customers and delivery partners
This role is full time, 37 hours per week and provides hybrid working arrangements with days onsite and days working from home.
Essential experience
- Extensive experience managing programmes delivering complex systems or equipment contracts
- Proven leadership of multidisciplinary, high‑performing teams
- Experience developing business cases, delivery plans and programme strategies
- Strong understanding of defence, intelligence or security‑led environments
- Ability to operate confidently at senior stakeholder level
Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent professional experience in delivering complex programmes
- Chartered Project Professional status or equivalent is desirable
- APM Project Risk Management qualification is advantageous
Security Clearance
The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance for this role. Must be Sole UK National. Many of the positions within our company are subject to national 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. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK.
Benefits
- Generous holiday allowance
- Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
- Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+
- Employee share scheme
- Employee shopping savings portal
- Payment of Professional Fees
- Reservists in the armed forces receive 10‑days special paid leave
- Holiday Trading to buy or sell annual leave
- ‘Be Kind Day’ for paid volunteering each year
- Flexible working options to support work‑life balance
- A dynamic working environment where leadership, trust and purpose thrive
Legal
We are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email careers@babcockinternational.com with the subject header ‘Reasonable adjustments requirement’. We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.
Closing date: 08/05/2026
Programme Manager employer: weServed
Contact Detail:
weServed Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the defence and security sectors, especially those who work at Babcock. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding the key challenges in programme management within the defence sector. We recommend brushing up on current trends and issues to show you’re not just a candidate, but a knowledgeable partner.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've led teams through complex projects. We want to hear about how you’ve managed risks and delivered results 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 love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Programme Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing complex programmes and leading multidisciplinary teams, as this is what we’re really looking for!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see how you’ve led teams and managed projects in the past. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive performance and build relationships with stakeholders.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your points are easy to understand and directly related to the job description.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at weServed
✨Know Your Programmes
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific programmes Babcock is involved in, especially those related to national security and defence. Understanding their mission systems and how they operate will help you speak confidently about your relevant experience and how you can contribute.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Programme Manager, your leadership abilities are crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led multidisciplinary teams in the past. Highlight your approach to managing risks and driving performance, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasise your ability to build trusted relationships with stakeholders. Think of specific instances where you've successfully collaborated with senior stakeholders or partners. This will demonstrate your capability to navigate complex environments and ensure programme success.
✨Prepare for Security Discussions
Given the nature of the role, be ready to discuss your understanding of security clearance processes and the importance of maintaining confidentiality. Familiarise yourself with the Developed Vetting (DV) requirements, as this shows your commitment to the role's responsibilities.