Transition Project Manager – Defence Training Systems
Full-Time | Permanent | Hybrid
We’re looking for an experienced Transition Project Manager to lead the transition and integration of complex tactical engagement and virtual simulation capabilities into a major Army collective training programme.
This is a high-profile delivery role covering Ground Tactical Engagement Systems (GTES) and Combined Arms Virtual Simulation (CAVS). You’ll take responsibility for planning, coordinating and delivering transition activity from mobilisation through Initial Operating Capability (IOC) and Full Operating Capability (FOC).
Working closely with Army stakeholders, engineering teams, OEMs, commercial partners and service leads, you’ll ensure capabilities are delivered safely, on schedule and within budget, while maintaining continuity of support to Army collective training.
The Role
You’ll take ownership of integrated project plans, schedules, deliverables and transition strategies, coordinating multiple technical and operational workstreams through IOC and FOC.
Key responsibilities will include:
• Developing and managing integrated CAVS and GTES transition plans, schedules and deliverables aligned with programme and Army milestones.
• Coordinating engineering, logistics, training, commercial and operational workstreams.
• Managing project performance and implementing recovery actions where required.
• Managing risks, assumptions, issues, dependencies and opportunities (RAIDO), including mitigation and escalation.
• Managing project resources, budgets, expenditure and forecasts.
• Coordinating personnel, equipment, procurement and supporting resources.
• Monitoring supplier and contractor performance against contractual requirements.
• Leading project meetings, reviews and stakeholder workshops.
• Producing project reports, dashboards and governance updates.
• Coordinating trials, demonstrations, testing, verification, validation and user acceptance activities.
• Supporting technical reviews, design assurance and configuration management.
• Ensuring successful integration with existing systems, programme data architecture and the wider Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) training environment.
• Supporting service acceptance and operational readiness activities.
• Capturing lessons learned and driving continuous improvement.
About You
You’ll be an experienced project, capability or operations professional who is comfortable delivering complex programmes within highly regulated and technically demanding environments.
We’re looking for:
• Strong project delivery, organisational and team management skills.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and interpersonal abilities.
• Experience using recognised project management methodologies and tools.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Understanding of technical development processes, including technical Stage Gates.
• Experience managing complex systems through transition, handover and in-service phases of the capability lifecycle.
• Experience coordinating across engineering, delivery, support, commercial and operational stakeholders.
• A proactive, self-motivated approach with the ability to drive delivery in a complex environment.
Qualifications & Experience
A formal qualification in Project Management, Operations Management or Leadership/Management is desirable, although substantial relevant experience will also be considered.
Relevant qualifications could include:
- APM | PRINCE2 | ILM | CMI
- Experience within the UK defence sector, including familiarity with defence procurement processes and standards, would be advantageous.
- Candidates must also be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate UK Security Clearance required for work within the Defence sector.
The Person
We’re looking for someone with a genuine mission-focused mindset and the drive to get things done.
You’ll enjoy working collaboratively with defence training organisations, industry partners and the British Army, while being confident enough to challenge unnecessary barriers and keep delivery moving.
You don’t necessarily need a military background. What matters is that you understand the importance of supporting the end user, learning from experience, sharing lessons across the wider team and maintaining focus on successful mission delivery.
Interested in delivering complex training capabilities that directly support the future of Army collective training? We’d like to hear from you.
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