Mace
Senior Project Manager - 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 for a Talented Senior Project Manager to join one of our major Defence programmes based in Gosport.
You will manage the delivery of complex, high-profile projects that support critical national infrastructure, acting as a trusted advisor to clients and providing leadership across multidisciplinary delivery teams. This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of strategic project outcomes within a secure Defence environment, driving successful delivery while helping shape programme priorities and governance.
Due to the nature of this Defence project, candidates must be eligible to obtain security clearance (SC). Existing SC clearance is highly desirable.
You’ll be responsible for:
- Championing Mace's safety-first value, ensuring exceptional safety, quality, programme, sustainability and compliance standards across all project activities.
- Directing the delivery of complex construction and infrastructure projects, taking ownership of project performance and successful client outcomes.
- Managing senior stakeholder relationships across client, contractor and consultant organisations, providing strategic advice throughout the project lifecycle.
- Directing contractor activities, design coordination and resolution of complex technical, commercial and programme related issues.
- Directing project reporting across cost, schedule, risk, performance, governance and executive level updates.
- Managing governance and assurance activities, including gateway reviews, assurance panels, programme board submissions and project approval processes.
- Overseeing project controls, financial management, change control and risk management to ensure delivery remains aligned with approved objectives.
- Directing the verification and validation of project outputs, including financials, schedules, BIM/AIM, GSL and contractor deliverables.
- Directing the development of business cases, key project documentation and approval submissions.
- Providing leadership, coaching and mentorship to Project Managers, PMO colleagues and wider delivery teams, promoting collaboration and continuous improvement.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt 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.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
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:
- Degree, HND/HNC or equivalent qualification relevant to project delivery or the built environment.
- NEC4 accredited, or able to demonstrate significant practical experience and a strong working knowledge of NEC contracts gained through project deliver.
- Membership of a relevant professional body such as APM, RICS or CIOB.
- Proven experience delivering complex projects within large public sector organisations such as Defence, security, infrastructure, transport, healthcare or central government.
- Strong construction project delivery experience across all RIBA stages, including leadership of complex Stage 4 and Stage 5 delivery.
- Experience managing multidisciplinary teams, contractors, consultants and senior stakeholders within regulated or secure environments.
- Demonstrable experience leading governance, assurance and project controls activities on major programmes.
- Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at senior levels.
- Experience mentoring and developing project professionals and supporting high-performing delivery teams.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Project and other project management and reporting tools.
- Ability to obtain (or currently hold) the appropriate security clearance.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
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, plus 2 Mace days, 3 days Christmas shutdown, 1 additional day for every 2 years' service, plus bank holidays.
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 with-in 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