Project Manager - Defence - London

At Turner & Townsend, we’re passionate about making the difference. That means delivering better outcomes for our clients, helping our people to realise their potential, and doing our part to create a prosperous society. Every day, we help our major global clients deliver ambitious and highly technical projects in over 110 offices worldwide.

Turner & Townsend within the UK has a wide range of key clients in various sectors, including Health, Local Authorities, Higher Education, Highways, Utilities, Rail, and Defence. Our diverse portfolio of clients provides our team members with unique and rewarding opportunities to gain experience across a broad range of major programmes and projects.

Job Description

Important: Before applying, due to the sensitive nature of these projects, you must be a sole UK National who is able to achieve and maintain UK MoD Security Clearance (SC). Existing clearance is desirable.

Turner & Townsend’s Defence South East Cost Centre supports Defence projects and programmes with programme & project management, controls & performance management, cost management and procurement.

Role Overview and Purpose

We are looking for experienced project managers to play a key role in delivering high-profile projects across the Defence Sector. As part of our growing team, you will work on complex, large-scale programmes, helping our clients to overcome challenges and achieve their objectives. Based in our London office, you will collaborate with colleagues and clients across the South East of England, balancing remote, office-based, and on-site working.

Working Location

Hybrid working with approximately 60% client sites or office attendance (about 3 days a week), adjust to business needs.

About you

Project management experience built from a career in the Defence Sector (or similar). You should want to be part of a high‑functioning team focused on delivering world‑class outcomes to Defence clients.

Qualifications – Essential

• Experience in project management competencies aligned to the APM framework, such as risk management, schedule management, and governance & assurance.
• Overseeing budgets, forecasting, and ensuring projects are delivered within financial parameters.
• Experience working within the Defence Sector; experience working with MoD either directly or via industry.
• Developing business cases in line with Government standards that clearly outline project objectives, costs, and benefits.
• Building and maintaining trusted advisor relationships with clients, ensuring long‑term success.
• Ability to coordinate contractors, consultants, and advisors across multiple projects.
• Ability to adapt to the management of different types of projects, e.g., construction, manufacturing, capability projects, etc.
• Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
• Project Management Qualification (PRINCE2, APM PMQ, AGILE).
• NEC4 ECC PMA.
• Managing Successful Programmes (MSP).
• Membership of the Association for Project Management (MAPM).
• Must have or be able to attain UK MoD Security Clearance (UK Passport Holder) – this is essential.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working with UK Government organisations.
• Infrastructure / Construction experience.
• Experience working within the Nuclear Sector.
• Understanding and experience of MoD procurement procedures.
• Familiarity with JSPs, DEFCONS, CADMID Cycle.

Security Clearance

Many of the clients and projects we support are subject to MoD security clearance and Trade Control restrictions. Your eligibility may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and residency. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK (

Equal Opportunity

Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and have active networks committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

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