Sanderson Government & Defence
Project Manager - National Security
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Project Manager - National Security
Location: Cheltenham
Salary: Competitive (dependent on experience)
Employment: Permanent & Contract opportunities available
Security Clearance: DV Cleared or eligible to obtain DV
The Opportunity
Demand for DV-cleared Project Managers has never been stronger. We're working with a range of consultancies and technology organisations delivering some of the UK's most critical programmes across National Security, Defence and Central Government. Whether you're looking for your next permanent position or contract opportunity, we have a variety of roles available, ranging from digital transformation and software delivery to infrastructure, cyber and secure technology programmes.
What You'll Be Doing
- Leading the delivery of complex projects from initiation through to completion
- Managing stakeholders, risks, budgets and project governance
- Working closely with technical and delivery teams to achieve successful outcomes
- Supporting customers across secure, mission-critical environments
- Driving delivery using Agile, Waterfall or hybrid methodologies
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What We're Looking For
- Experience delivering projects within Defence, National Security, or Government
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
- Excellent planning, governance and risk management experience
- A proactive approach with the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams
Why DV Clearance Matters
Many of the programmes you'll be supporting involve highly sensitive information that is critical to the UK's national security. Developed Vetting (DV) is the highest level of UK security clearance and is required for access to some of the country's most secure projects.
To be eligible to obtain DV clearance, you'll typically need to:
- Be a sole British national
- Have a strong UK residency history
- Be willing to undergo the UK Government's Developed Vetting process
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Why Apply?
The Cheltenham market continues to see significant investment, with organisations actively hiring experienced DV-cleared professionals across a broad range of programmes. Whether you're looking for:
- A boutique consultancy with greater autonomy
- A global consultancy with structured career progression
- An SME where you can make a tangible impact
- Or an end client delivering mission-critical capability
...there are opportunities to suit a wide range of career goals, working styles and technical interests.
We're recruiting for both permanent and contract positions, with projects spanning digital transformation, cyber, software engineering, cloud, data and secure technology. If you're considering your next move, we'd be happy to discuss the current market and help find the right fit for you.
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