Programme Lead - Defence Projects

Description:

Senior Programme Lead / Key Account Manager (Defence Projects)

We're supporting a leading consultancy within the Defence & Security sector to hire an experienced Programme Lead / Senior Project Surveyor to take ownership of a growing portfolio of defence projects and strategic client accounts.

This is a client-facing leadership role blending programme delivery, commercial accountability, and relationship / account management across long-term, high-trust engagements. You'll lead work across RIBA Stages 0-6 (from scope and design coordination through to construction support and handover), ensuring projects are clearly defined, commercially sound, and delivered to a consistently high standard.

Key responsibilities

Own and develop strategic client accounts, acting as the senior relationship lead
Lead delivery of multiple defence projects across RIBA Stages 0-6
Be the primary client interface: stakeholder management, governance, and delivery oversight
Undertake site visits, define scope, identify risks, and shape delivery plans
Develop fee proposals and support forecasting/cost reporting
Coordinate multidisciplinary surveying/design teams and produce high-quality tender packages
Provide construction-stage support (incl. inspections during RIBA 5)
Oversee handover, including as-built documentation
Support and mentor junior team members

What we're looking for

Strong background in programme delivery (ideally design-led built environment projects)
Proven experience across RIBA Stages 0-6
Excellent client-facing / account management and stakeholder skills
Commercially astute: comfortable owning fees, forecasting, and delivery performance
Good understanding of building pathology / construction technology
Familiarity with JCT and NEC contracts
Experience working in regulated / secure environments (Defence/MoD desirable)
Security clearance and British nationality required