Defence Programme Manager

We are seeking an experienced Programme Manager with a proven track record of delivering complex programmes within the defence sector. The successful candidate will combine exceptional delivery capability with strong commercial awareness, excellent stakeholder management, and account management experience. They will be responsible for ensuring successful programme execution while building trusted client relationships and identifying opportunities to grow and strengthen the account. Key Responsibilities - Lead the successful delivery of complex, multi-workstream programmes, ensuring delivery to agreed scope, schedule, budget, and quality. - Establish and maintain programme governance, reporting, risk management, and dependency management. - Build trusted relationships with senior client stakeholders, acting as the primary point of contact for programme delivery. - Manage customer expectations and ensure a high level of client satisfaction throughout the programme lifecycle. - Work closely with internal delivery teams, partners, and customer organisations to drive collaboration and achieve programme outcomes. - Identify commercial opportunities within existing accounts, supporting account growth and long-term client engagement. Essential Skills & Experience - Demonstrable experience delivering large, complex programmes within the UK defence sector. - Strong programme delivery credentials with a consistent record of successful outcomes. - Previous experience in customer-facing account management or client relationship management. - Commercially astute with experience managing programme financials, commercial negotiations, and identifying growth opportunities. - Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and engage at executive and operational levels. - Strong leadership skills with experience managing multidisciplinary teams. - Excellent communication and presentation skills. - Experience managing risks, dependencies, and governance across complex programmes. - Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, high-profile environments. Desirable Experience - Experience working with UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) customers or within the defence supply chain. - Experience contributing to business development activities, bids, and proposals. - Relevant programme management qualifications (MSP, PRINCE2 Practitioner, Agile, PMP, or equivalent). - Active UK Security Clearance (SC) or DV clearance, or eligibility to obtain clearance.