Senior Project Manager - Bristol

Senior Project Manager
Defence & Advanced Engineering Programmes

The Opportunity
Our client, a leading organisation within the defence and advanced technology sector, is looking to appoint a Senior Project Manager to join a growing project delivery function supporting a portfolio of strategically important programmes.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious project professional to take ownership of medium to large-scale projects in a complex, technology-driven environment. Working across multiple disciplines and stakeholder groups, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring projects are delivered successfully against cost, schedule, quality and performance objectives.

The organisation is currently experiencing significant growth, creating excellent opportunities for career development, professional qualifications and progression into more senior leadership roles.

Key Responsibilities

Define, plan and deliver medium to large-scale projects and programmes throughout the full project lifecycle.
Lead cross-functional teams to ensure successful delivery against agreed objectives, budgets and schedules.
Manage project governance, reporting, forecasting and performance tracking activities.
Drive effective risk, issue and dependency management, implementing mitigation plans where required.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Support bid, proposal and estimating activities to secure future business opportunities.
Ensure robust project controls are in place, including schedule management and performance monitoring.
Provide clear and concise updates to senior leadership and governance forums.
Champion continuous improvement, innovation and project management best practice.
Foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment, motivating colleagues to achieve programme goals.
Candidate Profile
We are seeking a motivated and resilient project leader who is comfortable operating within a fast-paced and evolving environment.

Essential Experience

Proven Project Management or Programme Management experience, ideally gained within a matrix organisation.
Strong experience managing project risks, issues and opportunities.
Demonstrable experience delivering projects against cost, schedule and performance targets.
Experience using project controls, forecasting and performance measurement techniques.
Knowledge of earned value management (EVM), schedule management and schedule risk assessment principles.
Experience supporting bidding, proposal development and estimating activities.
Strong commercial awareness and business judgement.
Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
Ability to lead teams through complex challenges and changing priorities.
A proactive mindset with a continuous improvement approach.
Desirable Experience

Experience within defence, aerospace, engineering, manufacturing or other highly regulated industries.
Professional Project Management qualifications such as APM, PRINCE2 or PMP.
Experience leading multi-disciplinary project teams.
Exposure to international stakeholders, customers or partner organisations.
What's on Offer

Competitive salary package.
Annual performance-related bonus opportunity.
Generous pension contribution scheme.
Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
Additional annual leave through a flexi-leave scheme.
Enhanced family-friendly policies.
Paid overtime opportunities where applicable.
Support towards professional project management qualifications.
Modern onsite facilities, including subsidised catering and free parking.
Long-term career progression opportunities across project, programme and operational 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 role offers the opportunity to join a growing project management community delivering complex, high-profile programmes that make a tangible impact. You will work alongside experienced professionals in a collaborative environment, gain exposure to senior stakeholders, and have genuine opportunities to develop your career while contributing to the successful delivery of innovative and strategically important projects.
For a confidential discussion and further details, please contact our recruitment team today