Operational Excellence - Defence Manager
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 2, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 29, 2026. PwC UK scores A on the Alion truth index.
Line of Service
AdvisoryIndustry/Sector
Defence and SecuritySpecialism
Organisation StrategyManagement Level
ManagerJob Description & Summary
About the role
Join PwC’s Business and Supply Chain Operations (BSCO) team to help defence, space and aerospace clients solve complex operational challenges and deliver sustainable improvements. Working with the Ministry of Defence, the Armed Forces and industry, you’ll help translate organisational priorities into practical operational transformation, leading projects that redesign processes, improve productivity and efficiency, reduce costs and support the delivery of new capability through AI, digital enablement and data-driven improvement.
We are seeking a dynamic and talented Manager who is passionate about operational excellence and meaningful change across large, complex Defence operations. Reporting to the Senior Manager and Director team, you’ll manage workstreams or smaller client projects, lead teams of problem solvers and help Defence clients turn analysis into measurable improvements in operational performance.
What your days will look like:
- Take ownership of critical workstreams or smaller client projects within Defence operations transformation programmes, structuring work packages and planning and managing delivery to achieve agreed outcomes. Act with integrity and care as you analyse operating models and processes, identify improvement opportunities and deliver measurable productivity gains and sustainable cost reductions
- Leverage PwC’s methodologies alongside cutting-edge analytics, AI, and intelligent automation tools to design innovative, data-driven solutions that reimagine what’s possible and elevate client operations to new levels of performance
- Play a pivotal role in cultivating strong, trusted partnerships with clients and internal teams, working together seamlessly to exceed expectations, deliver exceptional project results, and fuel sustainable growth
- Be proactive in shaping compelling proposals and client presentations that clearly communicate powerful value propositions aligned with client priorities. Build lasting relationships founded on care, trust, responsiveness and the consistent delivery of high-quality outcomes
- Collaborate openly across teams, sharing insights and championing continuous learning to foster a culture that empowers every colleague. Together, contribute to the ongoing evolution and success of our practice by embracing new ideas and reimagining the future operations across the Defence sector
This role is for you if:
- Practical consulting experience or an equivalent operational background, with strong experience working with the Ministry of Defence, the Armed Forces and/or the Aerospace and Defence sector.
- Experience in transforming raw operational data into actionable insights that support opportunity identification and benefit tracking, for example using Power Query and Power BI.
- Technical expertise in analysing and improving operational processes; Lean Six Sigma qualifications are desirable.
- Experience in operating model transformation, including operating model design and sourcing strategies.
- Experience helping teams improve productivity through effective operating rhythms, structured problem solving and performance insights
- Proven capability in cost reduction, developing business cases for transformative initiatives and managing the associated commercial aspects
- Strong writing skills, with the ability to communicate clear, persuasive viewpoints in reports, proposals and articles to win work
- Already hold security clearance, or be capable of obtaining clearance, up to Developed Vetting (DV) level
- Ability to travel and work at client sites each week
What you’ll receive from us:
No matter where you may be in your career or personal life, our benefits are designed to add value and support, recognising and rewarding you fairly for your contributions.
We offer a range of benefits including empowered flexibility and a working week split between office, home and client site; private medical cover and 24/7 access to a qualified virtual GP; six volunteering days a year and much more.
Education (if blank, degree and/or field of study not specified)
Degrees/Field of Study required:Degrees/Field of Study preferred:Certifications (if blank, certifications not specified)
Required Skills
Optional Skills
Accepting Feedback, Accepting Feedback, Active Listening, AI Fluency, AI-Human Collaboration, Analytical Thinking, Business Data Analytics, Business Performance Metrics, Business Transformation, Change Management, Coaching and Feedback, Communication, Creativity, Digital Tooling, Embracing Change, Emotional Regulation, Empathy, Epic Software, Epic Systems, Inclusion, Intellectual Curiosity, Learning Agility, Logistics Management, Management Consulting, Manufacturing Operations Management {+ 26 more}Desired Languages (If blank, desired languages not specified)
Travel Requirements
Up to 40%Available for Work Visa Sponsorship?
NoGovernment Clearance Required?
YesJob Posting End Date