Project Manager

Our client, an Aerospace and Defence supplier is looking for a Project Manager to join them on a contract basis at their site in Reading.

Due to the nature of the role, applicants must be sole British nationals and hold SC Clearance.
Contract initially until November 2026
3 days per week onsite in Reading
£87.16 p/h Umbrella, inside IR35Role Description

The Project Manager will be responsible for the end-to-end delivery of a new Digital HR solution, leading activity from RFP and supplier selection through implementation, go-live, and transition into operations.

The role requires a hands-on, adaptable Project Manager who is comfortable working in a small team environment and able to operate at all levels-from drafting procurement documentation to managing senior stakeholders.

While the primary focus is the HR solution, the role may also support other project management activities outside HR as required.

Key Accountabilities

End-to-End Project Delivery
Lead delivery of the Digital HR solution across the full lifecycle:
RFP and supplier selection
Mobilisation and implementation
Go-live, hypercare, and transition to BAU operations
Establish and maintain effective project governance, plans, controls, and reporting
Manage scope, schedule, budget, risks, issues, and dependencies

RFP & Supplier Selection
Own the schedule for and support the RFP process, including:
Drafting and coordinating RFP documentation as required
Managing inputs from HR, Commercial, Procurement, Finance, and Technical teams
Supplier evaluation, moderation, and selection
Work closely with Finance, Commercial, Procurement, and Architecture teams to ensure:
Compliance with sourcing and contractual requirements
A compliant, value-for-money supplier appointment
Support contract award and mobilisation of the chosen delivery partner

Delivery Partner Management
Act as the primary day-to-day client lead for the selected delivery partner
Set and manage delivery partner performance expectations against agreed plans, milestones, and contractual obligations
Drive issue resolution, escalation, and recovery where required
Work proactively with the delivery partner to minimise dependencies and mitigate delivery risks
Ensure delivery outputs meet agreed timelines, quality, architectural, and security standards
Ensure the solution aligns with customer expectations and requirements

Stakeholder Engagement & Governance
Lead engagement with key corporate functions, including Commercial, Procurement, Finance, and Programme Assurance
Ensure the project aligns with governance, delivery, architecture, and security processes
Maintain a strong, open, and constructive relationship with the Head of HR to enable timely resolution of delivery-related issues
Manage senior stakeholders through:
Clear communication
Transparency
Effective decision-making forums
Lead the PI Planning aspects associated with this solution

Collaboration with Architecture & Product
Work closely with the Solution Architect to ensure delivery aligns with approved architecture and technical standards
Partner with the Product Owner to align delivery priorities with HR business needs and outcomes
Ensure business requirements are translated into deliverable, governed work packages

Transition to Operations
Lead planning and execution of:
Cutover and go-live
Hypercare and stabilisation
Operational handover and service acceptance
Ensure operational readiness, documentation, and ownership are in place before transition to BAU

Flexibility & Wider Contribution
Operate flexibly within a small team, contributing beyond a traditional PM remit where required
Be prepared to support non-HR project activities as priorities dictate
Balance hands-on delivery tasks with senior stakeholder management

Skills and Experience

Essential

Proven experience as a Project Manager delivering COTS and/or Digital SaaS HR solutions
Demonstrated delivery of at least two HR implementations from RFP through to live operation
Experience leading RFPs, supplier selection, and contract mobilisation
Strong experience managing external delivery partners and systems integrators
Excellent stakeholder management skills, including engagement at executive level
Strong understanding of project governance, financial controls, and assurance processes
Experience working in Agile, Hybrid, or structured delivery environments
Comfortable working across discovery, delivery, and operational phases
Experience with Azure DevOps
Familiar with working within security and assurance frameworksDesirable

Experience working in small or lean delivery teams
Experience delivering technology solutions in complex or regulated environments
Familiarity with SaaS-based enterprise solutions