Principal Project Manager

ASSYSTEM; Derby; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading company in the Nuclear Defence sector as a Principal Project Manager, overseeing and delivering complex projects with a focus on strategic outcomes. This leadership role involves managing a portfolio of projects, supporting blue-chip clients, and driving innovation within the Defence business. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in project management, leadership skills, and experience with risk and budget management. A competitive benefits package, including hybrid working options and a commitment to diversity, is also offered.

Benefits

25 days of annual leave + bank holidays

8% company pension contributions

Healthcare cash-plan for dental, medical, and physical care

Employee assistance programme with 24/7 mental health support

Paid professional and industry membership fees

Qualifications

• Proven track record in delivering large or complex projects.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Knowledge of risk, budget, and schedule management tools.

Responsibilities

• Oversee multiple projects with full lifecycle responsibility.
• Inspire and manage project and PMO staff.
• Contribute to budgeting and client relationship management.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Risk Management

Budget Management

Schedule Management

Change Management

Education

Chartered status or working towards it

Tools

Risk Management tools

Budget Management tools

Schedule Management tools

Job description

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At Assystem, we’re driving forward some of the UK’s most complex and high-profile Nuclear Defence programmes – and we’re looking for a Principal Project Manager (PPM) who’s ready to take the lead.

This role involves more than project management; it’s about influencing strategic outcomes, shaping capabilities, and delivering mission-critical projects with precision, accountability, and innovation.

As a senior leader in our Defence business, you’ll manage and evolve a multi-project portfolio, support blue-chip defence clients, and align delivery with AEIL’s growth objectives.

Your missions:

• Oversee a large volume of concurrent projects with full lifecycle responsibility

Leadership & People Development

• Inspire, lead, and manage project and PMO staff, helping them reach their full potential
• Provide coaching, direction, and mentoring to improve delivery capability

Strategic & Commercial Insight

• Contribute to budget planning, business case development, and financial performance cycles
• Identify and embed opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement
• Lead client relationship management and commercial negotiations

Why join the community of Switchers?

As one of the Top 3 Nuclear Engineering companies globally, Assystem offers a competitive benefits package including:

• 25 days of annual leave + bank holidays
• 8% company pension contributions
• Healthcare cash-plan for dental, medical, and physical care
• Employee assistance programme with 24/7 mental health support, virtual gym classes, and more
• Paid professional and industry membership fees

Job Description

We’re looking for a Principal Project Manager to lead UK Nuclear Defence programmes, influencing strategic outcomes and delivering complex projects with innovation and accountability.

You’ll manage a multi-project portfolio, support blue-chip clients, and align delivery with company growth objectives.

Your key responsibilities include:

• Programme & Portfolio Delivery: Oversee multiple projects, lead governance reporting on safety, time, cost, quality, and client satisfaction

Leadership & People Development: Inspire, lead, and manage project and PMO staff, providing coaching and mentoring

• Strategic & Commercial Insight: Contribute to budgeting, business case development, innovation, and client relationship management

Qualifications & Skills:

Essential:

• Proven track record in delivering large or complex projects
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Chartered status or working towards it
• Knowledge of risk, budget, and schedule management tools
• Experience in change and contract management

Desirable:

• Experience in Nuclear Defence or regulated industries
• Familiarity with NEC4 contracts and delivery frameworks
• Technical engineering knowledge (Mechanical, Electrical, EC&I)
• Experience in developing bids or proposals

If you’re a strategic thinker and results-driven professional ready to shape the future of defence delivery, we’d love to hear from you.

Additional Information:

• Location: Derby or Bristol office preferred; other UK offices possible
• Hybrid working available
• UK National preferred; BPSS clearance to start, SC clearance required
• Permanent role

We promote diversity and equal treatment. Bring your unique contributions and help us shape the future.