DV Cleared Project Manager

Experis; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 83,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Experis is seeking an experienced DV Cleared Project Manager for a high-profile programme in Cheltenham. The role is primarily on-site (3-4 days per week) with an initial 12-month contract and strong extension potential.

The rate ranges from £60 to £80 per hour, depending on experience, and DV clearance is mandatory. You will lead the delivery of complex projects within a secure national security environment, coordinating across multiple locations, managing scope, budgets, risks, and stakeholder

Qualifications

• Active DV Clearance is required.
• Experience delivering complex projects in secure/government environments.
• Strong project management across full lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end delivery of projects aligned to client objectives.
• Manage scope, budgets, schedules, risks, issues, dependencies, and changes.
• Direct and support project teams across locations and disciplines.
• Ensure delivery within time, cost, quality, and performance targets.
• Maintain relationships with clients and key stakeholders.
• Produce reports, forecasts, and governance documentation.
• Facilitate communication between technical, operational, and business stakeholders.
• Support Agile delivery teams where appropriate.
• Drive continuous improvement in project delivery activities.
• Maintain professionalism, integrity, and inclusivity.

Skills

DV Clearance

Defence projects

Stakeholder management

Project lifecycle

Budget & risk management

Agile delivery

Leadership

Communication

Job description

Job Title: DV Cleared Project Manager Location: Cheltenham (3-4 days per week onsite) Start Date: ASAP Contract Length: Initial 12-month contract with strong extension potential Rate: £60-£80 per hour (dependent on experience) Must be willing and eligible to go through the DV Clearance process.

Overview

We are seeking an experienced DV Cleared Project Manager to join a high-profile programme within a leading defence and national security environment. Working within our client's specialist delivery division, you will lead the successful delivery of projects for key government and defence customers, embedded within major programmes of national importance. This role requires a proactive and adaptable project professional who can confidently manage complex technical, operational, and commercial challenges while engaging a wide range of stakeholders. You will play a key role in helping organisations maximise the benefits of digital transformation and innovative operational delivery, leading project teams and workstreams to achieve successful business outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of projects, ensuring successful outcomes aligned to client objectives.
• Manage project scope, budgets, schedules, risks, issues, dependencies, and change requests.
• Direct and support project teams across multiple locations and disciplines.
• Ensure projects are delivered to agreed time, cost, quality, and performance targets.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients and key stakeholders.
• Produce and present project reports, forecasts, financial updates, and governance documentation.
• Facilitate effective communication between technical, operational, and business stakeholders.
• Support Agile delivery teams and work packages where appropriate.
• Drive continuous improvement and best practice across project delivery activities.
• Maintain the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and inclusivity in all aspects of delivery.

Skills & Experience

We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate experience in several of the following areas:

Essential

• Active DV Clearance.
• Proven experience delivering complex projects within secure, defence, government, or highly regulated environments.
• Strong project management expertise across the full project lifecycle.
• Experience managing project plans, budgets, risks, issues, dependencies, and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrable experience leading and motivating high-performing project teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage credibly at all levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience using project management methodologies, tools, and best practices.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and evolving environment.

Desirable

• APMP, PRINCE2 Practitioner, or equivalent project management qualification.
• Agile and/or Scrum delivery experience.
• Previous experience supporting digital transformation, technology, IT, or business change programmes.
• Experience working within complex multi-supplier delivery environments.

What We're Looking For

The successful candidate will be a confident and collaborative leader who thrives in challenging environments. You will be comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders, managing client relationships, and leading diverse delivery teams to achieve successful outcomes.

• Exceptional communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills.
• A customer-focused approach with a commitment to delivering excellent service.
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to manage project financial performance.
• The ability to proactively identify, assess, and mitigate project risks and issues.
• A flexible and adaptable mindset with a passion for continuous learning and improvement.
• Experience creating collaborative team cultures that drive successful delivery.