The Ministry of Defence (MOD) plays a pivotal role in delivering some of the UK Government’s most significant and complex projects. With responsibility for over 20% of the Government’s Major Projects, alongside thousands of other critical initiatives, Defence is at the forefront of safeguarding the nation’s security, prosperity, and global standing. These projects represent a combined investment exceeding £250 billion over their lifetimes, and span diverse areas such as military capability, infrastructure, digital systems, and organisational transformation.
A Unique Career Path for Professionals
Defence offers an unparalleled opportunity for professionals to build a complete and fulfilling career within the Civil Service. With over 7,400 skilled professionals, Defence boasts the largest Project Delivery workforce in government. This workforce is engaged in a variety of roles, including project, programme, and portfolio management, as well as specialist areas like risk management, benefits management, and project planning.
What sets Defence apart is its ability to provide a comprehensive career journey. Professionals can gain all the experience they need to achieve a fulfilling career, supported by robust professional training and development opportunities. This includes apprenticeships, the Government Fast Stream Scheme, professional accreditation, chartership, leadership courses, and membership in recognised project delivery professional bodies.
Defence’s commitment to professional growth ensures that individuals can work across a variety of roles, delivering high-profile and often ground-breaking programmes. This breadth of experience, combined with access to cross-government career pathways, makes Defence a near-unique environment for those seeking to excel in Project Delivery.
“At the Ministry of Defence, our Project Delivery Professionals are at the forefront of delivering some of the UK’s most critical and complex initiatives, from military capability to digital transformation. We are committed to building an inclusive and skilled workforce, offering clear career pathways and development opportunities to drive innovation and excellence across Defence. I am incredibly proud to be part of a profession that makes such a meaningful impact on the defence priorities”
Caroline Boughton,
Head of MOD Project Delivery Profession
and Director of MOD Portfolio Office
Tools, Training, and Frameworks to Support Your Career
The Defence Approach
The Ministry of Defence provides a range of resources to help Project Delivery professionals develop their skills and advance their careers. The Project Delivery Capability Framework (PDCF) offers a clear structure for understanding roles and planning career progression, while the Government Online Skills Tool (GOST) helps individuals assess their skills, identify gaps, and create tailored development plans. GOST also supports the Project Delivery Profession Accreditation Scheme, enabling professionals to gain formal recognition of their expertise.
Defence offers access to a variety of e-learning and face to face training opportunities, including online courses through the ILX portal, professional development programmes via the Defence Academy, and resources and training from partners such as the Association for Project Management (APM), Major Projects Association (MPA), and Project Management Institute (PMI).
Career Programmes
Defence Project Delivery offers exciting career opportunities through apprenticeships, graduate schemes and the Project Delivery Fast Stream. The Level 4 Associate Project Management Apprenticeship combines practical experience with study, helping individuals gain valuable skills and recognised qualifications. The Fast Stream is a 3-year programme for future Civil Service leaders, with the Ministry of Defence offering 12-month postings on some of the UK’s most complex and high-profile projects.
Defence Project Delivery is embracing innovation by integrating AI, automation, and data analytics into project management to boost productivity and success. A key initiative is the Level 4 Project Data Analytics Apprenticeship, a 15-month programme offering tutor-led online training and hands-on experience in solving real-world data challenges. Participants dedicate one day a week to learning, build a portfolio of data-driven solutions, and attend hackathons to develop their skills. This qualification equips professionals with in-demand expertise in project data analytics, helping them advance their careers and contribute to delivering critical UK projects.
Leadership Development
To develop confident and capable leaders, Defence also provides tailored leadership programmes. These include the Major Projects and Leading Workstreams (MPLW) for building skills and relationships, the Major Projects Leadership Academy (MPLA) for senior leaders managing complex projects, the Project Leadership Programme (PLP) combining academic theory with practical learning, and the Orchestrating Major Projects (OMP) for senior leaders shaping government project environments.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Project Delivery
Inclusion is at the heart of the project delivery profession, and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to creating environments where individuals feel valued, heard, and empowered. A report published in 2022 on psychological safety in MOD major projects highlights its critical role in fostering team performance and well-being, offering valuable insights and recommendations for project delivery professionals. By prioritising both inclusion and psychological safety, Defence continues to build diverse, high-performing teams equipped to deliver the best outcomes for the UK.
“If you’re passionate about project management, there’s no better place to be than Defence. Here, you’ll work on the biggest, most complex, and most impactful projects in government. Our projects and programmes shape the future of our nation and make a real difference to people’s lives. It’s a career like no other.”
Your Future in Project Delivery
Whether you are just starting your career or looking to advance, the Defence Project Delivery Profession offers a wealth of opportunities to grow, develop, and make a meaningful impact. With access to resources like the PDCF and GOST, our tailored training offer and a strong focus on ED&I, the Defence Project Delivery Profession is committed to supporting your success while delivering the UK’s most critical initiatives.
If you’re ready to embark on a career that offers variety, challenge, and the chance to make a real difference, consider joining the Defence Project Delivery profession. Visit the Civil Service Jobs website, search for “Project Delivery,” and filter by the Ministry of Defence to explore the exciting roles available.