Program Manager

Ready to take the helm of programmes that directly influence national defence capability?

This is an opportunity for a Program Manager to step into a high-impact role, leading complex, Navy-focused defence programmes within a fast-growing, highly respected defence organisation.

As Program Manager, you will take ownership of large, technically sophisticated defence programmes, guiding them from planning through to successful delivery. Working within a demanding DoD environment, you will manage high-value contracts, ensuring programmes are delivered on time, within budget, and in line with both customer expectations and strategic business objectives.

You’ll operate at the centre of the organisation, collaborating closely with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and operations teams. This is a senior, high-visibility role with regular interaction with government customers, senior military leaders, and key industry partners. Experience across Navy programmes will be particularly well regarded.

Job Responsibilities

Programme Planning & Delivery

• Develop and maintain detailed programme plans, defining scope, milestones, timelines, and deliverables.
• Coordinate resources across the business to support programme execution.
• Contribute to proposal development, including planning inputs, specifications, pricing, and contract structures.

Stakeholder & Customer Engagement

• Act as a confident point of contact for senior military leaders, government representatives, and industry partners.
• Manage customer expectations through clear, proactive communication.
• Oversee contract performance and ensure all contractual obligations are met.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead cross-functional programme teams, ensuring clarity of roles and responsibilities.
• Foster collaboration, resolve issues, and support effective team performance.
• Prepare and deliver programme reviews, reports, and executive-level briefings.

Budget & Cost Control

• Develop, manage, and control programme budgets.
• Monitor labour, materials, overheads, and overall programme costs.
• Ensure financial discipline and efficient use of resources throughout the programme lifecycle.

Risk, Governance & Compliance

• Identify programme risks early and implement robust mitigation strategies.
• Maintain active risk and contingency plans.
• Ensure compliance with organisational policies and regulatory requirements, including ITAR and CMMC-related standards.
• Support quality assurance activities and address issues promptly.

Change & Strategic Management

• Manage changes to scope, schedule, and resources in a controlled and documented manner.
• Operate as a senior-level Programme Manager contributing to executive planning and decision-making.
• Support rapid programme ramp-ups, expansion activities, and long-term supplier partnerships.

Continuous Improvement

• Apply Lean Six Sigma principles to improve programme delivery and execution.
• Support New Product Introduction activities where required.
• Drive ongoing improvements across processes, performance, and outcomes.

Experience Required

• Bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant technical experience.
• PMP, PgMP, or equivalent professional certification (essential).
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience managing large-scale DoD programmes valued at $100M .
• Strong background working as a US DoD Prime; Navy programme experience is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to engage credibly with senior military leaders and government customers.
• Solid working knowledge of MS Office and MS Project; ERP system experience is beneficial.
• Highly organised, detail-oriented, and able to manage complex, multi-stream programmes.
• Must be a U.S. person as defined by 22 U.S.C. § 6010.