Project Manager

James Fisher and Sons plc; Arbroath; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

James Fisher and Sons plc is seeking a Project Manager for the Global Submarine Rescue programme. You will lead multi-disciplinary teams, manage project delivery and governance within the Defence division, and travel internationally as required.

You will demonstrate a track record in defence maritime projects, stakeholder engagement, and strong leadership, with appropriate security clearance to operate.

Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering defence maritime projects.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams across international borders.
• Knowledge of contract conditions and governance in defence projects.
• Able to manage project reporting, KPI tracking and stakeholder communications.
• Security clearance suitable for defence environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple projects within JFD’s global Defence portfolio.
• Ensure on-time, on-budget delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Produce and present project reports in line with PMO processes.
• Communicate status and risks clearly to management and customers.

Skills

Project Management

Defence maritime projects

International project execution

Stakeholder management

Security clearance

Leadership

Communication skills

Risk management

APM qualification

Education

Naval context degree or equivalent

APM Project Fundamentals certification

Job description

About The Role

Project Manager (Global Submarine Rescue)

Permanent position

Westway, Glasgow

The Role

As JFD continues to expand there is the requirement to grow the Project Management organisation within the business to support both existing and new contracts. In order to support this growth an opportunity exists for a Project Manager to join the organisation.

This is an exciting opportunity for a Project Manager looking to take that next step in their career and work on unique projects.

This is a wider leadership role embedded into the Defence Submarine Rescue Team within James Fisher’s Defence Division, where you will be a key member of the team, accountable for the delivery of a high value, strategically important projects. You will provide project management support and assistance to achieve the necessary performance and growth criteria set by the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) whilst adhering to JFD Policies, processes, and procedures.

The Project Manager will be accountable for the P&L, delivery, and performance within the submarine rescue area which they will be embedded in. They will be expected to have high standards of project management, execution, and reporting, all managed through the (PMO) Project Management office function.

The successful candidate will be required to lead a multi-disciplinary project team to deliver the project on time, on budget and to the complete satisfaction of the customer and internal stakeholders.

• This position will be based at JFD Westway with international travel as dictated by the relevant projects.

Key Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead a number of projects within JFD’s global Defence portfolio.
• Delivery of projects on time, on budget and to the customers complete satisfaction.
• Monitor, compile and submit project reports to the customer and internal management capturing the status of the project in line with PMO processes.
• Accurately communicating project status and performance through the tiered management system daily, weekly and monthly as required. This will include working and reporting contractual KPI’s.
• Ensure health, safety, environment, sustainability, and security objectives are achieved throughout the lifecycle of the project along with all legal and regulatory requirements.
• Develop detailed project plans to guide the customer and internal stakeholders on the projects progress, status, and variances from the plan.
• Identify, monitor, mitigate and report project risks to internal management to ensure that JFD delivers to its contractual requirements.
• Ensure projects are executed in accordance with JFD’s Global Project Execution Process (GPEP) and associated procedures and that the governance is maintained throughout the project.

What We’re Looking For

You will be an adaptive leader with effective communication skills, a focus on safety, a collaborative mindset, and a commitment to delivery.

You will also be able to demonstrate sound business acumen and effective negotiation skills.

Key Skills, Knowledge And Experience

• Proven experience in Project Management, encompassing the delivery of defence maritime projects, lean manufacturing / build-to-print initiatives, in-service and contractor logistic support, and international project execution.
• Strong understanding of UK and international defence contracting terms, including commercially sensitive projects and associated security considerations.
• Holds a recognised Project Management qualification.
• Able to demonstrate knowledge in maritime, defence, and international quality and safety standards.
• Have a proven history of managing complex customer relationships and fostering collaborative partnerships across internal and external stakeholders.
• Degree qualified within a naval context, or equivalent suitable industry experience.
• APM Project Fundamentals & Project Management qualification (or similar).
• This is a highly specialised role with key links to the Defence market and will require appropriate security clearance to operate effectively.

Why join us?

Competitive benefits tailored to the division.

Opportunities for career growth and visibility across the organisation.

A supportive, inclusive culture that values your ideas and contributions.

Work that truly makes a difference in safety, innovation, and global capability.

About Us

James Fisher is a global engineering services company with over 50 years of experience delivering complex offshore energy projects in some of the world’s most challenging environments. We operate across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport, leveraging cutting‑edge technology and deep expertise to support the full lifecycle of our customers’ assets.

Visit our website at: www.james-fisher.com

JFD is the world leading underwater capability provider, serving the commercial and defence markets with innovative diving, submarine and hyperbaric rescue, technical solutions and services.

Operating worldwide, the company is the world’s leading provider of submarine rescue capability and an established provider of submarine escape training. The company is at the forefront of Hyperbaric Rescue, along with being the leading supplier of commercial and defence diving equipment and saturation diving systems to the commercial industry.

www.jfdglobal.com

James Fisher and Sons are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications for candidates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success depends on our talented and diverse workforce.

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