Contract Project Manager - Manufacturing

ZipRecruiter; Colchester; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist engineering company in the Defence sector is seeking a Contract Project Manager to lead critical projects over the next few weeks. The ideal candidate will manage key responsibilities including overseeing project delivery, coordinating teams, and maintaining stakeholder communication within high-pressure environments.

Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering projects in the Defence sector.
• Strong stakeholder management and delivery capabilities.
• BPSS clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee delivery of Defence-related projects across engineering and manufacturing.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to meet project milestones.
• Manage timelines, risks, budgets, and resource allocation.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Project delivery

Understanding of Defence supply chains

Tools

Project management tools

ERP systems

Job description

Job Description

Colchester, Essex (On-site)

Contract | Immediate Start | 4 Weeks Minimum (Long term likely)

BPSS Clearance Required | Defence Project Experience Essential

The Opportunity

A specialist engineering company in the Defence and Industrial Systems sector is urgently seeking a Contract Project Manager to lead critical project activity over the next 4+ weeks.

This is a delivery-focused role with immediate impact - ideal for someone who thrives under pressure, understands Defence programme dynamics, and can keep complex manufacturing or engineered-to-order projects on track.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the delivery of ongoing Defence-related projects across engineering, manufacturing, and quality
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to meet project milestones
• Manage timelines, risks, budgets, and resource allocation
• Act as the primary point of contact for project stakeholders
• Deliver concise updates and resolve blockers in real-time

What You’ll Need

• Proven experience delivering projects in the Defence sector - ideally within manufacturing, systems, or technical engineering environments
• Strong stakeholder management and on-the-ground project delivery capability
• Solid understanding of Defence supply chains and quality/compliance expectations
• Familiarity with project management tools or ERP systems
• BPSS clearance as a minimum - must have lived/worked in the UK for the past 3+ years

Contract Details

• Start: ASAP
• Duration: Minimum 4 weeks (likely extension)
• Location: On-site, Essex
• Rate: Competitive | Outside IR35 available

How to Apply

If you’re immediately available and bring the right blend of Defence project experience and hands-on delivery expertise - get in touch now. Fast turnaround expected.