Programme Director - Defence

Job Summary

Turner & Townsend is looking for a talented Programme Director to join our busy and expanding Defence business. In this role you will provide direction and management for every phase of large‑scale infrastructure programmes across a range of complex commissions, ensuring on‑schedule completion within or below budget and in accordance with contractual obligations. The Programme Director will manage multiple projects that make up a complex programme enterprise, balancing technical, leadership and managerial approaches in heavily regulated environments such as nuclear‑regulated sites. Experience with the NEC4 suite of contracts is strongly desired.

Prior experience must include significant project management or construction management assignments at the Principal Project Manager level, operations management of personnel, and effective management of client outcomes. Must be able to travel to client sites nationally as required.

Responsibilities

• Act as the Turner & Townsend representative with the client and selected subcontractors during programme execution; negotiate changes to the scope of work with the client and key subcontractors.
• Collaborate with Business Development to market and secure additional work with the client.
• Oversee the establishment of the Project Execution Plan, Health and Safety Plan, Quality Assurance/Quality Control Plan, and other required documents.
• Establish delivery requirements for all programme areas, monitor draft and final deliverables, and distribute a one‑to‑two‑page Programme Brief to all team members.
• Plan, direct, supervise, and control execution of all business, technical, fiscal, and administrative functions; assign responsibility for executing project plans to key subordinates, and provide input to performance reviews and development plans.
• Mobilise resources through liaison with capability leads and subsidiaries to create effective project teams; discuss qualifications required for key programme/project positions.
• Work with managers, project engineers, and discipline leads to develop budgets, schedules, and plans for programme elements, ensuring the programme meets or exceeds established goals.
• Devise and execute action plans to rectify potential cost overruns or delays, advise the client and company management of changes, and maintain current change orders.
• Promote technical and commercial excellence through Quality Assurance processes; monitor and report progress, including milestones and conditions affecting cost or schedule; establish weekly status reviews.
• Perform other responsibilities associated with this position as may be appropriate.

Required Skills

• Highly commended leadership skills and proven ability to operate at Programme Executive Level.
• Broad general technical and business background, with previous large‑scale programme/project management experience.
• Ability to manage and direct cross‑functional teams with credible pan‑domain and pan‑discipline expertise.
• System thinking applied to complex multi‑stakeholder environments.
• Proven senior management capacity, excellent written and oral communication skills, and thorough knowledge of industry practices and regulations.
• Knowledge of current innovation and its effective utilisation on programmes/projects.
• Desirable demonstrable history of working in infrastructure, defence, and/or nuclear environments.
• Operational knowledge of the NEC4 suite of contracts.

Qualifications

• Senior accreditation to a professional body (ICE, APM, RICS, etc.) – strongly desired.
• Strong infrastructure background in Defence, Nuclear, Transportation, or Utilities – highly desirable.
• University‑level qualification (e.g., Bachelor's Degree) in Project Management or a related technical/business field.
• Significant competence spanning all stages of programme life‑cycle.
• NEC/FIDIC commercial experience – strongly desired.

Security Clearance

Important: Due to the sensitive nature of these projects, you must be a sole UK national able to achieve and maintain UK MoD Security Clearance (SC). Many clients and projects are subject to MoD security clearance and trade control restrictions. Further details are available at the UK government website for security vetting.

Working in Teams / Office & Site Attendance

Turner & Townsend recognises the importance of balancing work and personal life by offering hybrid working. However, client sites or Turner & Townsend offices will be required 60% of the time, which may include travel and varies with client and business needs.

Additional Information

Our inspired people share our vision and mission. We provide a great place to work, with opportunities and a voice to affect change. We promote a healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work‑life balance. Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer celebrating diversity and encouraging applications from all sectors of the community.

So far SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which must be adhered to where applicable.

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Project Management

Industries

• Construction, Civil Engineering, and Business Consulting & Services

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