Few leadership roles offer the opportunity to shape infrastructure at a scale that directly underpins the security of the United Kingdom. This is one of them. The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) is responsible for one of the largest and most diverse property portfolios in the country, managing billions of pounds of assets and investment on behalf of Defence. At the heart of this agenda is HM Naval Base Clyde, home to the UK's Continuous At Sea Deterrent and a critical component of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise. As Defence continues to invest in the future of the Clyde estate, we are seeking an exceptional Programme Director to lead one of the most significant infrastructure portfolios in the UK.

Reporting to the Director of Major Programmes and Projects and working alongside senior leaders across Defence, government and industry, you will provide strategic leadership for a complex, high-profile portfolio of nuclear infrastructure programmes. With current annual investment of approximately £350m, rising significantly in future years, you will oversee the delivery of major capital projects that are essential to operational capability, long-term resilience and the transformation of HMNB Clyde.

This is a role that extends far beyond programme delivery. You will lead multidisciplinary teams spanning programme management, engineering, commercial, finance and project controls, creating a culture of excellence, accountability and continuous improvement. You will navigate complex stakeholder environments, balancing operational, regulatory, political and commercial considerations while providing the strategic leadership required to deliver safely, effectively and at pace.

We are looking for a proven senior leader with a track record of delivering large-scale infrastructure, construction or capital programmes within highly regulated, safety-critical environments. You will bring experience of leading complex portfolios, managing significant budgets and driving performance through large supply chains and delivery partners.

Equally important is your ability to inspire confidence and bring people together behind a common purpose. You will be a collaborative and authentic leader, capable of influencing at the highest levels, building trusted relationships across organisational boundaries and creating high-performing teams that thrive in complex environments. Your leadership will combine strategic vision with disciplined execution, ensuring delivery against demanding objectives while maintaining the highest standards of safety, governance and professionalism.

This is a rare opportunity to play a leading role in one of the UK's most significant infrastructure and transformation programmes. In return, you will join an organisation committed to developing its people, embracing inclusion and delivering outcomes that matter to the nation. For leaders motivated by purpose, scale and the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy, this role offers an exceptional platform from which to make a difference.

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Recruitment Timetable

Closing date
23:55 on Monday 17 August 2026

Long listing
Week commencing 31 August 2026

Preliminary interviews
Weeks commencing 7 and 14 September 2026

Short listing
Monday 21 September 2026

Final panel
Week commencing 12 October 2026

How to apply

To apply for this post, you will need to complete the online application process by no later than 23:55 on 17th August 2026 and will involve providing the two documents which are weighted equally:

• A CV (no more than 2 pages) setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years.
• A Personal Statement (no more than 2 pages) providing tangible examples that clearly evidence how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

For a confidential discussion about the role contact: Russell.Brandon@gatenbysanderson.com