Project Manager

Matchtech; Brighton; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Defence & Security company in the UK is seeking a highly motivated Project Manager to oversee complex projects in the Defence and Aerospace sectors. This role includes managing multidisciplinary teams, project schedules, and budgets, ensuring on-time and quality delivery. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in project management, along with formal qualifications such as APM, PRINCE2, or PMP. Join a dynamic team and contribute to impactful projects that support the UK’s mission-critical capabilities.

Qualifications

• Experience managing complex projects in regulated industries like Defence or Aerospace.
• Formal project management qualifications (e.g., APM, PRINCE2, PMP).

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary project teams to ensure timely project delivery.
• Develop and implement project schedules in collaboration with the planner.
• Manage project budgets, resources, risks, and schedules.

Skills

Commercial and project/programme management skills

Ability to manage multi-skilled teams

Proficiency in project planning and scheduling

Excellent relationship management

Experience in managing budgets and resources

SC clearance (desirable)

Education

Formal project management qualifications (e.g., APM PMQ, PRINCE2, PMP)

Degree or HNC in aerospace/defence engineering

Tools

Microsoft Project

Job description

Our client, a leading player in the Defence & Security sector, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Project Manager to join their growing team on a contract basis. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing multifunctional teams from engineering disciplines and operations to ensure the successful execution of projects and production orders. You will oversee the full programme lifecycle, from proposal preparation and submission through to project completion, while ensuring on-time, on-budget, and quality-driven delivery.

This role will be pivotal in driving the success of customer orders, internal R&D projects, and complex design & development initiatives related to mission‑critical Defence and Aerospace products. As a Project Manager, you will ensure clear communication of project objectives, monitor progress, and be the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multidisciplinary project teams, including internal and external stakeholders (e.g., subcontractors), to deliver projects on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Develop and implement integrated project schedules in collaboration with the company scheduler, ensuring all work packages are aligned with project timelines.
• Take complete ownership of project budgets, resources, risks, and delivery schedules. Ensure all project activities are completed on time, cost, and quality targets.
• Work across departments to ensure smooth execution of tasks. Coordinate and engage with customers as needed, ensuring timely delivery of project milestones.
• Conduct regular project risk reviews, identify potential issues, and develop and deploy mitigation strategies.
• Provide regular project status reports to division‑level management and assist senior management with programme and business performance.
• Motivate and manage project team members, ensuring continuous development and providing direction on programmatic issues.
• Manage the end‑to‑end process of bids and proposals, from submission to customer engagement.
• Contribute to the improvement of formal processes and procedures, focusing on enhancing the overall efficiency of the Project Management Team.

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• Experience in project management, with a proven track record of managing complex projects, particularly in highly regulated industries (e.g., Defence, Aerospace).
• Formal project management qualifications such as APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ), PRINCE2 Practitioner, PMP, or equivalent project/programme management experience.

Skills

• Strong commercial and project/programme management skills.
• Ability to manage multi‑skilled teams through challenging customer requirements.
• Proficiency in project planning and scheduling (e.g., Microsoft Project).
• Ability to build and maintain excellent relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Experience managing budgets, resources, risks, and schedules for complex projects.
• SC clearance is desirable; willingness to obtain if required.

Desirable Experience & Qualifications

• A degree or HNC in aerospace/defence engineering or a related discipline is desirable.
• Familiarity with Earned Value Management (EVM) principles and application.
• Knowledge of successful PMO bid & proposal management and programme management reviews.

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a rapidly growing company at the forefront of Defence and Aerospace innovation. You will play a crucial role in shaping the development of mission‑critical products supporting the UK sovereign capability and its allies, contributing to the continuous improvement of our Project Management Office (PMO). As part of a friendly, dynamic and collaborative team, you'll be empowered to lead challenging projects and drive positive outcomes.

If you are a skilled Project Manager ready to contribute to impactful projects in the Defence & Security sector, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to join our client's dynamic and talented team.