SDA Project Manager - Reed Talent Solutions : Job Details

Job summary

The Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) is a part of the Ministry of Defence responsible for the procurement, in-service support, and disposal of the UK’s nuclear submarines. Our work is of unparalleled strategic importance nationally and internationally, ensuring the security of the UK’s continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent (CASD), and delivering some of the most technically complex programmes in defence. At least one of four nuclear-armed submarines, supported by smaller attack submarines, is on patrol at all times: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

At the SDA, we strive to Support, Deliver and Aspire and put out values at the heart of our recruitment process. We believe that everyone should feel comfortable to be themselves and be supported to do their best work. As part of a diverse and inclusive workforce, our team will find a community to belong to. We believe that, by celebrating different backgrounds and different perspectives, together we’ll achieve the extraordinary.

Job description

Are you ready to play a pivotal role in one of the UK’s most strategically important defence programmes? Join the Submarine Enterprise Acquisition Capability (SMEAC) Programme and help shape the future of the UK’s submarine manufacturing capability. This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of a high-impact, high-profile programme that supports national security, drives innovation, and delivers long-term social and economic value. If you thrive in complex environments, enjoy working with diverse stakeholders, and want to make a tangible difference, this role is for you.

You’ll join the Deputy Programme Director and Integrate (DPD/I) team within SMEAC, which is focused on increasing submarine production through strategic investments in infrastructure, equipment, and workforce capability. The DPD/I team leads on programme governance, integration across infrastructure and supply chain workstreams, approvals and assurance, and the Contract Permissioning Group.

As a key member of the team, you’ll report to the Pillar Lead and contribute to the delivery of critical programme outputs. Your work will involve close collaboration across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise to ensure effective programme-level outcomes. The SMEAC Programme’s vision is to build a resilient UK submarine manufacturing enterprise that delivers sovereign and international commitments while generating social and economic value for supporting communities.

Hybrid and flexible working can be considered for this post. The post is Bristol based with an expectation of a min 2-3 days per week on site, subject to outputs and co-ordination requirements. Successful candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before submitting an application.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the development of Programme Business Cases in line with Government guidance and Information Notes
• Manage stakeholder relationships across the Assurance and Approvals communities
• Facilitate assurance forums, Evidence Working Groups, and workshops.
• Contribute to the generation of Business Case artefacts, including planning, scheduling, and risk management
• Collaborate with internal and external assurance stakeholders to ensure robust Business Case assurance
• Monitor and influence dependencies across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise
• Build and maintain effective relationships across stakeholder networks and delivery teams

Person specification

To be successful with your application, you'll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Experience of working in a large or medium complexity project team
• Understanding of governance, assurance, requirements management and change control, either in a project setting or through relevant experience in other environments
• Awareness of business case development, commercial and procurement processes
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships, collaborate across teams, and effectively influence and challenge stakeholders

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Stakeholder Management - Supervised Practitioner
• Controlling a Project - Practitioner