Mace
Programme Services Lead - Defence
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to unlock potential in every person or project and redefine the boundaries of ambition. Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey.
We are looking to appoint a Programme Services Lead to join our Defence team in Preston, supporting the delivery of a high-profile and highly regulated Air Defence programme of national importance. This role requires a highly trusted professional who can operate with discretion, integrity, and accountability within a secure environment.
Due to commence in late autumn to early winter, the position sits within an Integrated Client Team and offers responsibility for coordinating and leading programme management services that support effective governance, reporting, planning, risk management, and delivery assurance across a long-term Defence programme.
This candidate should have eligibility to obtain and maintain UK security clearance (SC).
You'll Be Responsible For
- Managing the delivery of programme management services across the programme.
- Managing governance frameworks, reporting cycles, and programme assurance activities.
- Coordinating programme planning, scheduling, and performance reporting processes.
- Maintaining oversight of programme risks, issues, actions, and dependencies.
- Supporting senior stakeholders with programme information, decision-making, and governance requirements.
- Ensuring consistency of programme management standards, processes, and controls.
- Facilitating collaboration across project teams, suppliers, and client stakeholders.
- Driving continuous improvement across programme services, reporting, and governance activities.
- Supporting programme mobilisation, transition, and readiness activities.
- Building strong relationships across the Integrated Client Team to ensure successful programme outcomes.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
You'll Need To Have
- Experience leading PMO, Programme Services, or Programme Management functions within complex programmes.
- Strong understanding of programme governance, reporting, planning, and assurance processes.
- Experience supporting large-scale Defence, Aerospace, Infrastructure, or similarly regulated programmes.
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and facilitation skills.
- Experience managing programme risks, issues, actions, and performance reporting.
- Degree qualified or equivalent professional experience in programme management, project management, or a related discipline.
- Current SC clearance or eligibility and willingness to obtain and maintain UK Security Clearance (SC).
What's On Offer
- Car allowance.
- Hybrid working.
- Medical health cover.
- Life insurance.
- Income protection insurance.
- Pension scheme.
- Discretionary annual salary reviews.
- Family friendly policies.
- 22 days annual leave + 2 Mace days + 3 days Christmas shutdown + 1 additional day leave for every 2 years of service + Bank holidays.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Our values
Safety first - Going home safe and well: We champion a safe, diverse, and inclusive working environment, understanding the importance of wellbeing in every team.
Client focus - Deliver on our promise: We own the quality of deliverables, strategic outcomes, and build long-term relationships with our clients.
Integrity - Always do the right thing: We influence positive outcomes within our industry, while always aligning with our compliance obligations.
Create opportunity - For our people to excel: We champion a continuous improvement culture throughout all activities, inspiring our people and teams to develop.
Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfil all the criteria, please apply as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organisation.
We are also open to discussing part-time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable within the role.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location