Job Description

Location: Farnborough, Newbury or Bristol (Onsite)
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 ability to Hold or Eligible to undergo and maintain developed security clearance (DV)
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
The Senior Portfolio Manager VBSE Defence leads and delivers large-scale defence projects, managing programmes from bid through implementation with a focus on compliance, risk management, and stakeholder engagement. The role demands expertise in defence programme planning, contract management, and team leadership to achieve contractual outcomes and revenue goals.
The role will have accountability for an annual revenue delivery which is generally 100m; this includes new business bid support, Programme delivery and ongoing stakeholder management to identify and manage key partners/suppliers, with direct management up to 18 programme/project managers and matrix management to approx. 80.

• Programme governance and delivery: Establishes governance controls aligned with defence standards, emphasizing risk management, assurance, and contractual compliance throughout programme lifecycles.
• Stakeholder and team leadership: Builds strategic relationships internally and externally, operating at senior stakeholder levels including CTO and CIO, and leads multi-party teams with suitably qualified personnel to meet programme requirements.
• Risk and financial management: Applies advanced risk tools such as Monte Carlo and QSRA, manages programme budgets typically between 20m-30m capex annually, and ensures alignment with benefits realization and business case viability.
• Programme planning and control: Creates detailed integrated programme plans identifying resources, interdependencies, critical paths, and measurable outcomes, while forecasting resource demand and managing performance.
• Quality assurance and reporting: Implements quality standards, status reporting, and produces regular financial and performance reports including lessons learned and closure documentation.
• Leadership and team development: Clarifies skills requirements, manages multiple programmes, coaches teams, and maintains morale and motivation throughout delivery.

Who you are

• Strong delivery leadership in large scale Department of Defence projects
• PRINCE2 Practitioner or PMI-PMP required
• Experience in secure telecommunications environments
• Proven expertise in defining Programme Teams during bid phase and identifying SQEP to ensure requirements are achieved in a timely manner
• Experience of Programme Planning and the familiarity of Defence Contract Management Agency requirements (14 point check) to assess compliance with an Earned Value Management System (EVMS)
• Understanding of Risk tooling of large defence Programmes i.e Monte Carlo and the application of Quantitative Schedule Risk Analysis (QSRA)
• Ability to manage a team of programme/project managers and 3rd party suppliers
• Able to hold or eligible to undergo and maintain developed security clearance (DV)

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 ( ) 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.
#VodafoneThree
#LI-Onsite
Vodafone is committed to attracting, developing and retaining the very best people by offering a motivating and inclusive workplace in which talent is truly recognised and rewarded. We are committed to promoting Inclusion for All with the belief that diversity plays an important role in the success of our business. We actively encourage everyone to consider becoming a part of our journey.

Skills Required