Project Manager

The Thrive Team Limited; Barrow-in-Furness; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK engineering firm seeks a Project Manager to oversee all phases of engineering and manufacturing projects. This hands-on role involves managing project delivery, ensuring adherence to budget and regulatory standards, and fostering strong client relationships. Candidates should have an engineering background (HND/HNC minimum) and a Project Management qualification. Key responsibilities include leading teams, managing risks, and producing project reports. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential for success in this position.

Benefits

New company-wide share option scheme launching next year

Qualifications

• Minimum HND/HNC in engineering required.
• Project Management qualification like PRINCE2, APM, or PMI is essential.
• Proficient in managing medium to complex engineering projects.

Responsibilities

• Manage full project lifecycle from initiation to handover.
• Lead and coordinate engineering and quality teams.
• Control budgets and manage project risks.

Skills

Engineering background

Project Management qualification

Experience in medium to complex projects

Proficient in Microsoft Project

Strong organisational skills

Education

HND / HNC in engineering

Tools

Microsoft Project

Excel

Job description

We are looking to appoint a Project Manager to take full ownership of the end-to-end delivery of engineering and manufacturing projects. This role has been created as part of a deliberate shift in how the business delivers work-moving away from traditional operations leadership and towards strong, accountable project delivery. You will manage projects from contract award through design, manufacture, and final delivery, acting as the primary client interface and ensuring delivery to time, cost, quality, and regulatory requirements. This is a hands-on, site-critical role, well suited to a technically grounded Project Manager who thrives in smaller, fast-moving organisations where visibility, ownership, and impact are high.

Key Responsibilities

• Full lifecycle project delivery from initiation to handover
• Lead and coordinate engineering, design, production, and quality teams
• Set the standard for project execution, safety, and performance
• Manage project budgets, cost control, and margin protection
• Identify, manage, and mitigate project risks and opportunities
• Maintain strong client relationships through clear, transparent communication
• Produce regular internal and external project reporting (cost, schedule, risk)
• Manage contract scope, change control, EWNs and Compensation Events
• Support production and site teams through regular shop floor and site presence
• Plan and coordinate workloads with engineering and production teams
• Support tendering activities, including estimates and project input

Qualifications

• Engineering background (HND / HNC minimum)
• Project Management qualification (PRINCE2, APM, PMI or equivalent)
• Experience delivering medium to complex engineering / manufacturing projects
• Proficient in Microsoft Project and Excel
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple workloads
• Comfortable working in pressured, delivery-focused environments

Scope of the Role

• Delivery of 3-4 concurrent projects (with scope to increase)
• Travel to UK engineering sites as required
• Close collaboration with Supply Chain to maximise value
• Identification of delivery-related risks within contract clauses
• Direct reporting line to the General Manager, supported by a wider PM network

Desirable

• Experience in nuclear, defence, or highly regulated environments
• Knowledge of NEC contracts
• Strong commercial awareness, analytical and negotiation skills

What We're Looking For

• A technically credible Project Manager (engineering background is essential)
• Strong client-facing communicator
• Confident decision-maker with a delivery mindset
• Collaborative leader who works well across engineering and production teams
• Someone adaptable, pragmatic, and comfortable taking ownership
• Reduced bureaucracy and greater ownership of outcomes
• Strong project pipeline in regulated engineering sectors
• Supportive leadership with project delivery experience
• Access to a wider Project Management community for development
• New company-wide share option scheme launching next year

Working Pattern

• Site-critical role
• 4 days on-site (Monday-Thursday)
• Friday half-day
• Hybrid / remote working not suitable

If you're an engineering-led Project Manager looking for greater ownership, visibility, and the chance to deliver meaningful projects in a growing business, we'd like to hear from you.