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Programme Manager; Defence

Job in Bristol, Bristol County, BS1, England, UK
Listing for: National Composites Centre
Full Time position
Listed on 2026-03-14
Job specializations:
  • Engineering
    Operations Manager
  • Management
    Operations Manager, Program / Project Manager
Salary/Wage Range or Industry Benchmark: 69595 - 80090 GBP Yearly GBP 69595.00 80090.00 YEAR
Job Description & How to Apply Below
Position: Programme Manager (Defence)

Overview

As demand grows, we are expanding our Defence team hiring another Programme Manager supporting technology innovation within the defence industry. You'll help run a large complex greenfield Defence programme which we aim to deliver in 18 months, suiting someone who has an Engineering background or experience setting up new facilities. We're a not-for-profit research technology organisation and bring our R&D ethos to the defence industry, aiming to innovation where pragmatic while aiming to delivery on time, on cost and on vision.

If you enjoy steering engineering & technology programmes, influencing stakeholders, this is your opportunity to help shape the future of UK defence innovation.

Responsibilities
  • You’ll be responsible for the professional management and execution of projects within the Programme. We use a combination of Waterfall and Agile delivery. You will be a critical link between the overall Programme Management function, internal and external clients, and will be responsible for shaping and delivering this strategic programme.
  • The portfolio will be diverse from capital procurement to developing and deploying robust operational procedures.
  • You’ll have three to five direct reports to begin with which will potentially grow over time.
  • Support Delivery - control scope, schedule, cost and risk across the full six-phase lifecycle - from initiation to closure - using NCC s project management framework.
  • Planning
  • Support internal & external customers
  • Cost management
  • Resource management
  • Risk & issue management
  • Governance & reporting
  • We help manufacturers take on bigger challenges - whether that's building cleaner aircraft, scaling up offshore wind, or strengthening the UK's supply chains. We’re here to deliver practical outcomes, not prototypes that sit on shelves.
What it’s like here

We’re not a startup. We’re not a corporate. We’re a national centre with the kit, time and people to do the job properly. The teams are focused, the thinking is sharp, and you’ll be trusted to get on with it.

Why this job matters

This role isn't just internal support - it's part of how we deliver nationally important work. If we do our job right, the UK's manufacturers can do theirs better.

What we offer in return

Hybrid and flexible working patterns as standard, annual salary reviews, company paid private medical insurance, up to 12.5% employer pension contribution, great people, honorary staff status at the University of Bristol. With a genuine focus on wellbeing, EDI and learning and development this is a chance to build your career in a thriving R&D facility with a bright future.

Requirements / Qualifications
  • An established Programme Manager with 10+ years of project experience over your career.
  • Defence or Research & Development or Manufacturing industry background.
  • Ability and willingness to undergo a high level of government security clearance.
  • Engineering background in some shape or form, perhaps you are an Engineering graduate or perhaps you have run Engineering / Technology (not IT) projects in the past
  • Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a cross-functional team.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities, capable of building and nurturing relationships with stakeholders and customers.

    Internal and external.
  • Commercial awareness and experience of delivering projects within complex financial and contractual constraints.
Salary & Security

Salary: £69,595 to £80,090 per annum plus 12.5% employer pension & private medical insurance.

Security

Clearance Required:

You will be required to undertake government security clearance if successful securing this role.

Advert end date: 7th April - we reserve the right to withdraw the advert early if required.

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