Programme Director – Defence

Overview

Lead defence infrastructure programmes, ensuring delivery, governance and stakeholder success.

Key Responsibilities

• governance
• risk management
• cost control
• scheduling
• programme delivery
• client relations

Tasks

As a Programme Director, you will lead the successful delivery of large-scale programmes, providing strategic direction, governance, and leadership across multiple workstreams. You’ll ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and to the highest technical and commercial standards. This is a senior, client-facing position that combines strategic oversight with hands-on leadership, stakeholder management, and the ability to navigate highly regulated environments. -Manage and mentor project teams to ensure effective delivery and continuous improvement -Drive collaboration across technical, commercial, and operational disciplines -Lead programme governance, reporting, and risk management across all delivery stages -Oversee cost control, scheduling, and change management processes -Oversee all phases of programme delivery, ensuring alignment with contractual and commercial objectives -Develop and maintain strong client relationships, representing the business at executive level -Promote innovation and best practice in programme management -Engage with clients, regulators, and stakeholders to ensure compliance and success -Lead complex, multi-disciplinary infrastructure programmes across the defence portfolio

Requirements

• technical degree
• nec4
• chartered
• security clearance
• leadership
• programme management

What You Bring

You will be a proven senior leader with a track record of delivering complex, multi-stakeholder infrastructure programmes within defence, nuclear, utilities, or similarly regulated sectors. A rare opportunity has arisen for an accomplished Programme Director to join a leading consultancy delivering some of the most complex and technically demanding defence and infrastructure programmes in the UK. -Degree qualified in a technical or project management discipline -In-depth understanding of NEC4 contracts and commercial management principles -Exceptional stakeholder management and leadership capability -Eligible for UK MoD Security Clearance (sole UK nationals only, due to project sensitivity) -Strong background in infrastructure programme delivery within defence, nuclear, or regulated environments -Proven ability to manage multiple large-scale projects or programmes concurrently -Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams within a consultancy or client-side environment -Chartered status with a recognised professional body (RICS, ICE, APM, CIOB, or equivalent)

People Also Searched For

Benefits

You’ll also benefit from a flexible, people-first culture, with hybrid working, professional development support, and a strong emphasis on work-life balance. This role offers the chance to join a respected consultancy with a global footprint and a culture that values collaboration, innovation, and professional excellence. You’ll work on programmes that make a real difference helping to strengthen national infrastructure, improve capability, and deliver outcomes that matter. £100,000 – £120,000 + Package - Manchester (Hybrid Working, UK-Wide Travel Required)

About Kingsley

-Headquartered in Liverpool since its founding, it blends industry insight with recruitment know‑how. -It matches professionals across surveying, property management, and construction roles. -While broadening into international, interim, and executive search, its core remains aligned to the built environment. -Its consultants support project portfolios in asset and property management, commercial, residential, and housing association sectors. -Kingsley often handles niche roles in engineering, construction, surveying, and town planning for blue‑chip and start‑up clients. -The firm streamlines talent discovery across surveying, built environment, and construction.

Sector Specialisms

Security Clearance

-must obtain uk mod security clearance (uk nationals only)