ConSol Partners
Head of Programmes
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Head of Programme Delivery / Enterprise PMO Leader
Defence Sector | Cambridge (Hybrid) | SC Clearance Eligibility Required
Are you a proven programme delivery leader ready to shape the future of a growing defence organisation?
We are seeking an exceptional Head of Programme Delivery to lead a diverse portfolio of complex programmes and projects, while establishing and driving an integrated, enterprise-wide PMO capability. This is a strategic leadership opportunity where you will influence business performance, customer outcomes, and operational excellence across the organisation.
As the senior leader responsible for programme delivery, you will ensure projects and programmes are strategically aligned, effectively governed, and delivered successfully to meet customer commitments, business objectives, budgets, and quality standards.
The Opportunity
This role offers the chance to build and lead a high-performing Programme Management Office, bringing together Programme Managers, Project Managers, Controllers, Schedulers, and wider delivery teams into a cohesive, best-in-class delivery function.
You will play a critical role in enhancing programme performance, embedding project management maturity, improving governance, and driving continuous improvement across the business.
Key Responsibilities
Programme & Portfolio Leadership
- Lead the delivery of multiple complex defence programmes and project portfolios valued between £10m and £100m+.
- Define and execute programme delivery strategies aligned to business objectives and contractual commitments.
- Provide executive oversight of programme performance, delivery milestones, financials, and key quality metrics.
- Ensure effective project launch, planning, resource allocation, and lifecycle management.
Enterprise PMO Development
- Establish and lead an integrated PMO capability across the organisation.
- Implement and continuously improve programme management frameworks, governance processes, and delivery standards.
- Champion project controls, scheduling, reporting, and performance management disciplines.
- Drive consistency and excellence in programme execution across all business areas.
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Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of programme and project professionals.
- Create a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Recruit, mentor, and retain high-performing talent within the PMO and delivery functions.
- Set objectives, manage performance, and support professional development.
Stakeholder & Business Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders.
- Work closely with customers, engineering, manufacturing, commercial, and operational teams to deliver enterprise-wide solutions.
- Support governance activities including project and programme reviews, gate reviews, and business performance reporting.
- Lead Integrated Business Planning and Sales & Operations Planning activities.
Transformation & Continuous Improvement
- Drive programme delivery transformation and organisational change initiatives.
- Champion the use of digital tools, project controls, analytics, and reporting systems to improve decision-making and delivery outcomes.
- Identify and mitigate programme risks while proactively addressing customer challenges.
- Implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, quality, and performance across the programme lifecycle.
About You
You are an accomplished programme leader with significant experience delivering complex defence programmes in highly regulated environments.
Essential Experience
- Proven success delivering large-scale defence programmes and project portfolios valued between £10m and £100m+.
- Experience leading programme management teams of 10+ professionals.
- Strong background within Defence, MOD, DE&S, or prime contractor environments.
- Expertise in programme governance, controls, planning, risk management, and resource management.
- Demonstrated ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders and customers.
- Experience working within engineering and manufacturing organisations.
- Background in developing, transforming, or improving programme delivery functions and PMOs.
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Technical & Professional Qualifications
- Degree qualified in Engineering, Business, Defence Studies, or a related discipline.
- Professional accreditation such as:
- Chartered Project Professional (ChPP)
- Chartered Engineer (CEng)
- Or equivalent professional status
- Project or Programme Management certification, such as:
- APM
- MSP
- PRINCE2
- Equivalent recognised qualifications
- Strong understanding of ERP/MRP systems and their integration with programme management processes.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
- Proficient with Microsoft 365 applications and modern project management tools.
What's on Offer
- Opportunity to shape and lead an enterprise-wide programme delivery function.
- Strategic leadership role with significant influence across the organisation.
- Complex and meaningful programmes supporting critical customer outcomes.
- Hybrid working model – 3 days per week onsite in Cambridge.
- Career-defining position within a highly respected defence environment.
Security Requirements
Applicants must be eligible to obtain and maintain UK Security Clearance (SC).
If you're a senior programme leader with a passion for delivery excellence, organisational transformation, and leading high-performing teams, we'd love to hear from you.
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