Programme Manager - Defence Capability Services

Nova Systems is a leading engineering services and technology solutions company, partnering with our clients to keep our nations and people safe and secure. At Nova, we work collaboratively to achieve our vision and our strategic objectives, while staying true to our values of Trust, Professionalism, Community and Passion. We collectively contribute to a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace, valuing diversity in all its forms.

As Programme Manager for Nova Systems (International) Defence Capability Services, you will be a key member of the Advisory & Professional Services (APS) Team, helping shape the strategic direction and growth of the business. Reporting to the APS General Manager, you will lead the delivery of a diverse portfolio of defence programmes across Capability Management, P3M and Test & Evaluation, managing 10–20 concurrent projects with an annual value of circa £3m, with strong ambition for growth. Nova Systems has ambitions to grow this revenue rapidly and you will be instrumental in driving this growth.

What you’ll be doing

Programme & Project Delivery

• Lead and assure the successful delivery of complex defence programmes, meeting time, cost, quality and performance objectives

• Provide strategic and practical leadership to improve programme management frameworks, consistency and delivery effectiveness

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational performance

• Engage confidently with senior stakeholders to manage risk, expectations and outcomes

Commercial & Financial Management

• Full accountability for programme and project P&L down to gross margin level

• Monitor and report on financial performance, forecasts, risks and opportunities

• Lead commercial discussions with clients in collaboration with legal and commercial teams

• Deliver profitable outcomes aligned to agreed budgets

Business Development & Growth

• Identify, shape and pursue new and follow on business opportunities

• Contribute to bid strategy, proposal development and tender responses

• Support capture activity and help grow Nova’s defence capability offerings

• Build and sustain senior level client and partner relationships

People Leadership

• Line and functional management of Project Managers and delivery teams

• Optimise utilisation across programmes and the wider business

• Lead, mentor and develop high performing, engaged teams

• Champion inclusion, collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement

• Support workforce planning and organisational change initiatives

What are we looking for ?

Essential

• Significant programme and project management experience within defence and/or aerospace

• Proven leadership of technical professionals and/or engineers

• Strong financial and commercial acumen, including P&L and margin management

• Deep understanding of P3M, Capability Management and Test & Evaluation

• Experience contributing to successful bids and capture activities

• Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication and negotiation skills

• Consultancy or client facing experience

• UK Citizenship or NATO country passport

• Ability to obtain UK Government Security Clearance

Desirable

• PRINCE2, MSP or PMP certification

• Lean Six Sigma qualification

Why Join Us

At Nova Systems, you’ll be part of a mission-driven team that values innovation, trust, and collaboration. We offer a supportive environment for learning and development, backed by our professional development allowance, mentoring, and opportunities to work on impactful UK and global defence projects.

Benefits & Perks

• 8.5 Matched Salary Sacrifice Pension

• Up to £3000 Annual Professional Development Allowance

• 5 days Development Leave

• 25 days Annual Leave + UK Public Holidays

• Enhanced Parental Leave

• Reservist Leave

• Loyalty Leave

• Private Medical Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Upto 6 Weeks Sick Pay

• Employee Assistance Program

• Reward & Recognition Programme

• Discounts and more

• Flexible and Hybrid working

Office Location and ways of working

You can be based anywhere, but as our offices are Bristol and High Wycombe you must be prepared to be in the Nova office(s) and at client sites in line with business needs. We have regular team and department collaboration days at the Nova offices. We have hybris working and on average most of us are in the office and/or with clients 3 days a week, and work 2 days from home.

PLEASE NOTE This role requires pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and in relation to our work for defence, security and intelligence this position requires applicants and our employees to hold a UK or NATO country passport and be able to gain a high level of security clearance to undertake the projects we are involved in to protect us from security threats

Only those holding NATO Country passports are eligible for this role

We are committed to increasing diversity of staff within Nova Systems International and within the aerospace and engineering sector. We welcome applications from everyone who meets the requirements of the role description, and we are committed to equal opportunity, equal treatment, and respect for every individual.

At Nova Systems International we are proud supporters of the Armed Forces Covenant. We recognize the value that serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and military families bring to our business.

We offer, and value, flexible working and we are also proud to be committed to mental health awareness and to actively support the wellbeing of our team. If you have special access requirements, please do let us know.