Defence Contract Jobs in Manchester
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Cyber Security Consultant | SC Cleared | Defence
Posted 1 week ago by Hays
Your new companyYou will be supporting a major Defence programme within a multi-supplier (SIAM) environment, working as...
- Rate £599 per day
- Category Inside
- Work type Hybrid
- Location London, Birmingham, Preston - Hybrid Working
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Enterprise Architect - Digital Engineering / Software Engineering | Defence & Ae...
Posted 1 week ago by Synergize Consulting
DescriptionSynergize Consulting is looking for an experienced Enterprise Architect specialising in Software Engineering...
- Rate £110 per hour
- Category Not specified
- Work type Onsite
- Location Reading, England, United Kingdom
Solution Architect (Secure Communications) Defence
Posted 2 weeks ago by NonStop Consulting
Gain high value experience and impact the lives of millions!If this sounds appealing to you then you are in luck as an...
- Rate Not specified
- Category Not specified
- Work type Hybrid
- Location Corsham, Wiltshire
Haken IT Security Engineer - Cybercrime Defense Tokyo
Posted 2 weeks ago by Morgan McKinley
DescriptionJoin a global technology and e-commerce leader in Tokyo as an IT Security Engineer, helping protect a large-s...
- Rate Not specified
- Category Outside
- Work type Not specified
- Location Tokyo, Japan
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senior sap s/4hana otc / sd consultant (aerospace & defense)
Posted 2 weeks ago by Randstand (USA)
Job SummaryWe are seeking an experienced Senior SAP S/4HANA OTC-SD Functional Consultant to drive core Order-to-Cash sol...
- Rate Not specified
- Category Outside
- Work type Remote
- Location seattle, washington (remote)
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Senior SAP S/4HANA OTC / SD Consultant (Aerospace & Defense)
Posted 2 weeks ago by Randstad Digital
job summaryWe are seeking an experienced Senior SAP S/4HANA OTC-SD Functional Consultant to drive core Order-to-Cash sol...
- Rate Not specified
- Category Outside
- Work type Remote
- Location Remote or Seattle, Washington
Programme Delivery Lead — UK Defence Communications Projects for NATO with secur...
Posted 2 weeks ago by WLG
This is a senior delivery post working alongside an embedded liaison officer at MoD Corsham.You would sit between the pr...
- Rate Not specified
- Category Not specified
- Work type Onsite
- Location Corsham, England, United Kingdom
Senior Project Manager — Defence Digital Delivery (Agile, PRINCE2) for NATO with...
Posted 2 weeks ago by WLG
This is a senior delivery post working alongside an embedded liaison officer at MoD Corsham.You would sit between the pr...
- Rate Not specified
- Category Not specified
- Work type Onsite
- Location Corsham, England, United Kingdom
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About Our Defence Contract Roles in Manchester
What does a defence contractor do?
The defence sector is a significant employer of contractors in the UK, engaging professionals across engineering, technology, project management, commercial, intelligence analysis, and specialist technical disciplines to support the delivery of complex and long-running defence programmes. Contract roles arise most commonly within the Ministry of Defence, defence primes such as BAE Systems, Babcock, Leonardo, and QinetiQ, and the broader defence supply chain, where the volume and complexity of programmes require flexible specialist resource that cannot be maintained entirely within a permanent workforce. The security-sensitive nature of much defence work means that contractors operating in this sector must typically hold or be willing to obtain appropriate security clearances, most commonly SC or DV depending on the role.
The skills most valued in defence contracting reflect the sector's programme-intensive and technology-heavy character. Systems engineers with experience on complex defence platforms, project and programme managers familiar with CADMID or PRINCE2/MSP delivery methodologies, and commercial specialists with MoD procurement and DEFCONS experience are in consistent demand. Defence technology contractors, including software engineers, cybersecurity specialists, and data scientists, increasingly find opportunities as the MoD accelerates its digital and AI transformation agenda. The ability to navigate the specific governance, compliance, and security requirements of the defence environment is an essential differentiator for contractors entering the sector for the first time.
What is the market like for defence contractors?
Defence contracting in the UK is underpinned by a substantial and long-term investment programme in the armed forces, with major platforms including Type 26 frigates, Tempest, Ajax, and the nuclear deterrent creating multi-decade pipelines of engineering and programme management contract demand. The government's commitment to increased defence spending, combined with the operational pressure created by the changed security environment in Europe, is driving additional investment and contractor demand across both traditional defence engineering and newer areas including cyber, space, and autonomous systems. Security clearance is a significant entry barrier that constrains supply and supports rates for cleared contractors above those achievable in comparable uncleared roles.
What is the contracting market like in Manchester?
Manchester has established itself as the strongest contractor hub outside London, supported by a diverse economy spanning financial services, technology, media, and the public sector. MediaCityUK at Salford Quays anchors a cluster of digital, creative, and broadcasting employers, while Spinningfields and the wider city centre house the financial and professional services concentration. Several major insurers and banks run significant operations from Manchester, and the technology sector has matured considerably, with both established firms and scale-ups competing for software engineering, cloud, and data contractors. The rate gap with London has narrowed over the past few years as employer competition for experienced contractors in the city has intensified, and for many disciplines Manchester now offers comparable depth of opportunity at a materially lower cost base.
How much do defence contractors usually earn in Manchester?
Contract rates for defence roles in Manchester typically range from £450 to £850 per day, depending on the scope of the role, required expertise, and the delivery expectations of the engagement.
How many defence vacancies in Manchester are there on Quality Contracts?
Over the past twelve months, we have tracked over 530 defence contract roles across the site, with Manchester accounting for a significant portion. Data reviewed up to August 2026.