VodafoneThree - Programme Manager (Defence)

Location: Farnborough, Bristol, Oxford or Newbury
Salary: Excellent basic salary plus bonus and Vodafone benefits
Working Hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week – Monday to Friday

Security Clearance: This position requires the person to hold or to be eligible to undergo UK Developed Vetting (DV) clearance.

Who We Are

We’re here to build a network the UK can count on – one that connects people, places and potential. Because no matter where you live, what your background is, or how you get online – we think everyone deserves the same chance to stay connected, and with VodafoneThree, that future’s being built – today.

We’re creating more than the UK’s best network. We’re helping close the digital divide, empower communities and drive meaningful progress.

We believe that everyone should feel they belong. Whoever you are and whatever your story, there’s space for you here. We’re building a workplace where different perspectives are welcomed, voices are heard, and everyone feels safe to show up as themselves.

You’ll join a team that genuinely cares – about each other, about our customers, and about the future we’re building. From day one, you’ll be welcomed, valued and encouraged to bring your whole self to work.



Why VodafoneThree

Join us and you’ll be at the heart of change. That means building responsibly, investing sustainably and creating opportunities that last.

We’re not just expanding connectivity; we’re reimagining what a connected nation looks like. With £11bn invested in 5G and digital infrastructure, your work will directly power businesses, services, and communities across the country.

You’ll work on real challenges, with real impact, across every corner of the country. Wherever you join us, whatever your role, you’ll be helping to build a future that works better for everyone.

We move at pace, because what we’re building matters – and we’re learning as we go. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but we’re just getting started.

Join Vodafone Business Security Enhanced and strengthen the cyber security of the UK's Critical National Infrastructure and public sector organisations.
 

What you’ll do

As the Programme Manager you will be responsible for leading large complex programmes across multiple domains on behalf of VBSE (Vodafone Business Security Enhanced) for our internal teams and Enterprise Customers, leading complex multi-party teams, taking responsibility for the overall delivery timescales, cost and quality.  You will have day to day accountability for a budget which typically in the range of 5-25m , with management for internal delivery teams, and our suppliers. You will matrix manage and have accountability for others within the business responsible for delivery into the programme. 

You will be:

• Responsible for setting the governance controls for the programme, ensuring these align to corporate, customer and local standards, with strong emphasis on assurance and checkpoint reviews, defining the programme costs, operational budgets, staffing requirements, programme resources and programme risk & change strategy.  
• Be accountable for ensuring that the programme and all interrelated projects, dependencies, assumptions  and risks are identified, stakeholder buy in achieved, stage plans created, managed and reported though the lifecycle of the programme, emphasis on alignment to Time, Cost and Quality.  
• Ensure that all Programmes and their component parts adhere to the mandated Vodafone best practice methodology and processes.   
• Manage project planning and resourcing processes, balancing priorities and taking on a coaching and mentoring role, motivating others and boosting moral.
• Accountable for acceptance into live service, mitigating impact of risk to both the customers and Vodafone’s operational business.

Who you are

• Strong Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement with the ability to adapt style and apply influencing skills to a range of complex relationships.
• PRINCE2 Practitioner/Advanced Practitioner, (MSP desirable.) 
• Experience in delivery complex programmes and project budget management 
• Experience in managing a direct team and the ability to drive an effective project team.
• Understanding of financial accounting including capitalisation and profit and loss 
• Strong cross-functional working capabilities
• Experience of security conscious customer deliveries 

Worried that you don’t meet all the desired criteria exactly?
We know that everyone is unique, with multiple aspects to their identity and different experiences behind them. We are passionate about Inclusion for All and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive, whatever their personal or professional background. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align exactly with every part of the job description, we encourage you to apply as you may be the right candidate for this role or another role, and our recruitment team can help you see how your skills fit in.
 

What we offer

We care about our people’s success by offering great pay, bonuses, up to 28 days off plus bank holidays, and paid time for charity work. You can personalise our benefits for you and your family, like discounts, vouchers, a pension plan and loads more. We help with your career through our amazing learning tools and top-notch parental leave policies.



Need to Know

We are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and all offers of employment for this role are subject to background checks, including criminal (DBS) and financial checks to meet the regulators standards.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or have an accessibility request as part of your recruitment journey, for example, extended time or breaks in between online assessments, a sign language interpreter, or assistive technology, please refer to the Accessibility section of our Careers website (https://careers.vodafone.com/uk/applying-to-us/) for guidance.

We use AI in different parts of our business to boost innovation, improve efficiency, and create new opportunities. We know many candidates use AI to fine-tune their CVs or prepare for interviews, but what we really care about is your unique experiences and achievements.

During the interview, we want you to rely on your own knowledge and skills to show us who you really are—your personality, creativity, and abilities. Above all, we’re looking for authenticity and can’t wait to get to know the real you.

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