Senior Project Manager NEC - Defence
Likely
Sponsorship likelihood
This employer has issued visas recently
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£44,300
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2455 (85% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £44,300, and MACE GROUP LIMITED is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
In 2025, MACE GROUP LIMITED assigned 16 or more Certificates of Sponsorship for SOC 2455 jobs, according to the Home Office.
This could also be SOC 2127 (Engineering project managers and project engineers). We read the code off the advert, so it is our best guess, not the employer's.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2455 Construction project managers and related professionals Most likely code | £33,400 | £35,400 | £39,900 | £44,300 |
2127 Engineering project managers and project engineers Also possible | £36,300 | £41,500 | £46,700 | £51,900 |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. How the Home Office picks the code
About the 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 Woking.
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.
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.
What's on offer:
- Car allowance.
- Hybrid working.
- Medical health cover.
- Life insurance.
- Income protection insurance.
- Pension scheme.
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.
#LI-Onsite
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with MACE GROUP LIMITED, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Construction project managers and related professionals (SOC 2455) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~36k in sample- Middle half £37,596–57,720
- Median £45,396
- Going rate £44,300
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £33,400–39,900
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at MACE GROUP LIMITEDAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. MACE GROUP LIMITED holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. In 2025, MACE GROUP LIMITED assigned 16 or more Certificates of Sponsorship for SOC 2455 jobs, according to the Home Office. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2455 going rate of £44,300. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.