Senior Project Manager – Microsoft Defender XDR - SC cleared

Senior Project Manager – Microsoft Defender XDR - SC cleared
Location: Milton Keynes / Hybrid (secure government environment)
Rate: £550–£575 per day (Inside IR35)
Duration: 11 months

We are seeking an experienced Technical Project Manager to lead the delivery of a large-scale Extended Detection and Response (XDR) implementation programme within a highly secure government environment. This role will oversee phased deployment of cyber security tooling across enterprise infrastructure, ensuring delivery is aligned to operational priorities, governance standards and strategic cyber objectives.

Key responsibilities
• Lead full lifecycle delivery of Microsoft XDR deployment across end user devices and server estates
• Own and maintain detailed project plans, milestones, dependencies and critical paths
• Coordinate technical delivery teams including CTO strategy functions, architects and cyber specialists
• Manage programme budgets, forecasts and governance reporting including executive board packs and checkpoints
• Oversee deployment schedules, change windows and service transition activities
• Establish and manage supplier engagement and resource planning pipelines
• Identify and mitigate delivery risks, ensuring adherence to secure delivery frameworks and assurance processes
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, government partners and technical leadership

Key experience required
• Proven track record delivering complex infrastructure or cyber security programmes in secure or government environments
• Strong understanding of Microsoft XDR / EDR concepts and Security Operations Centre operating models
• Experience managing phased technical implementations and coordinating large-scale deployments
• Demonstrable capability producing high-quality executive reporting and governance artefacts
• Experience managing large budgets, multidisciplinary teams and delivery risk
• Familiarity with project delivery tooling such as MS Project, Azure DevOps or Jira
• Knowledge of Government Functional Standards, Secure by Design and agile delivery approaches
• Relevant certification such as PRINCE2, APM PMQ, Agile PM or equivalent

Desirable
• Hands-on experience with Microsoft Defender XDR technologies
• Background in technical infrastructure prior to programme or project leadership
• Recent experience managing resource allocation and capability planning

This is a high-impact role supporting the delivery of critical cyber capability across complex secure environments. Ideal for a senior project leader comfortable operating across technical, strategic and governance domains.

Senior Project Manager – Microsoft Defender XDR - SC cleared