Senior Project Manager

Senior Project Manager
Defence & Advanced Engineering Programmes

The Opportunity
Our client, a leading engineering and technology organisation operating within the defence and security sector, is seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to join a growing and strategically important project delivery function.

This role sits within a specialist engineering environment supporting a diverse portfolio of advanced technology programmes. Working across multiple technical disciplines, you will play a key role in defining, planning and delivering medium to large-scale projects while ensuring successful outcomes across cost, schedule, quality and risk objectives.

The team is experiencing significant growth and is central to the successful execution of some of the organisation's most complex and innovative programmes. This presents an excellent opportunity for a motivated project management professional to broaden their experience, increase their visibility across the business, and contribute to the success of critical technology development and delivery activities.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the delivery of medium to large-scale projects and work packages from initiation through to completion.

Develop and maintain project plans, schedules, budgets, resource forecasts and risk management strategies.

Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to required quality standards.

Manage project governance, reporting and stakeholder communications throughout the project lifecycle.

Collaborate closely with engineering, operations, commercial, finance and customer-facing teams to achieve project objectives.

Identify, assess and mitigate project risks, issues and dependencies.

Support bid, tender and business development activities, including estimating, planning and proposal preparation.

Drive continuous improvement and promote project management best practice across the wider organisation.

Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, influencing decisions and facilitating successful outcomes.

Provide leadership, guidance and support to project teams operating across complex, multi-disciplinary environments.

Candidate Profile
We are looking for an ambitious and resilient project professional who thrives in technically complex environments and enjoys leading teams through challenging and fast-paced delivery programmes.

Essential Experience

Proven experience within Project Management or Programme Management environments.

Demonstrable experience leading project delivery activities involving cost, schedule and risk management.

Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all organisational levels.

Experience supporting or leading bidding, tendering and estimating activities.

Commercial awareness with the ability to balance technical, operational and business priorities.

Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to develop practical solutions to complex challenges.

Experience working within structured project management frameworks and governance processes.

Ability to lead and motivate teams in a collaborative and inclusive manner.

Desirable Experience

Experience within defence, aerospace, advanced engineering, manufacturing or other highly regulated industries.

Professional Project Management qualifications (APM, PRINCE2, PMP or equivalent).

Experience working within multi-disciplinary and international project environments.

Exposure to technology development, research and engineering-led programmes.

What's on Offer

Competitive salary package.

Annual performance-related bonus opportunity.

Generous pension contribution scheme.

Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.

Additional annual leave options through a flexi-leave scheme.

Enhanced family-friendly policies.

Paid overtime opportunities where applicable.

Ongoing professional development and support towards formal project management qualifications.

Excellent onsite facilities including subsidised catering and free parking.

Clear career progression opportunities across project, programme and business leadership pathways.

Security Requirements
Due to the nature of the work, applicants must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate level of UK security clearance. Eligibility will typically require British citizenship or an alternative status permitting security clearance consideration under current UK Government regulations.

Why Apply?
This is an opportunity to join a growing team at the forefront of delivering advanced engineering and technology programmes that have significant strategic importance. You'll gain exposure to a wide range of stakeholders, work on technically challenging projects, and play a key role in driving successful programme delivery within a highly respected organisation.

For a confidential discussion and further details, please contact our recruitment team today