Project Manager

Saab; Fareham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence company in Fareham is looking for a Project Manager to oversee underwater robotics projects. The ideal candidate will have experience in engineering or manufacturing, proven project management skills, and strong communication abilities. This role involves leading project teams, managing stakeholder engagement, and ensuring project goals are met in terms of cost and quality. Competitive compensation and opportunities for career growth are offered.

Qualifications

• Experience in a fast-paced engineering or manufacturing environment.
• Professional certifications such as PMP, PRINCE2 or equivalent.
• Proven ability to manage projects from inception through completion.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage project execution teams.
• Plan and structure projects to meet governance requirements.
• Track and report project costs and deliverables.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Degree in business, management, or engineering

Tools

Agile methodologies

Waterfall methodologies

Scrum

Job description

Introduction: Saab UK is part of Scandinavia’s largest defence company, bringing together the best of Swedish and British innovation. Saab offers world-leading solutions and services in defence, aviation, space, and civil security to keep people and society safe. Our UK presence has been growing at pace, meaning we can offer a wide range of opportunities for personal fulfilment and career growth. We currently employ over 600 people across eight sites in the UK, and our specialisations include software engineering, underwater robotics, radars, AI, and armed forces training. As part of the global entity Saab AB, Saab UK combines the innovative spirit of a start-up with the resources and expertise of a larger corporation. Globally, Saab employs over 24,500 people, with operations on every continent. Our partnerships with UK customers and industry mean we are able to deliver innovative solutions to complex challenges, anticipating the threats of tomorrow. We invest 23% of our annual revenue into research and development, collaborating with a range of partners including industry and academia. Saab is a company that offers our employees plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement. We embrace diversity and are committed to providing a workplace where individuals can thrive professionally, paving the way for future progression. We also recognise the need for a healthy work-life balance to ensure our staff have the chance to live a fulfilling life beyond the workplace.

The Role

This role will be part of Saab Seaeye, our underwater robotics business based in Fareham.

The role will be responsible for the delivery of assigned Saab Seaeye Projects meeting cost, schedule and quality requirements for current projects and future generation projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Together with the Program Director and Program Manager, initiate and start up new projects ensuring valid business cases are developed.
• Plan and structure Projects to the appropriate level of detail at work package, activity and task level reflecting the governance requirements of the appropriate Saab project delivery process.
• Lead and manage Project execution teams.
• Report Project status and escalate issues to the Program Manager and Project Steering Group as appropriate.
• Track and report Project costs and deliverables, explain variances to plan and implement appropriate countermeasures as required.
• By working with the relevant departments ensure competent resources are identified and assigned to the Project as required to enable successful program execution.
• Ensure adequate Project risk management activities are conducted including risk identification, mitigation and escalation as appropriate.
• As appropriate to the project scope, ensure Saab Seaeye’s customers are kept informed and aware of project execution status.
• As appropriate, ensure customer payment deliverables are met and invoices raised as required.
• Close out completed Projects ensuring that lessons learned are logged, issues are closed and follow on actions recorded.
• Promote the implementation of a best practice project execution approach into the Saab Seaeye business.
• Become recognised as a leader in the business by being accountable, holding others accountable and driving Project delivery.
• Enable a collaborative culture by encouraging communication and team work.
• Support the development, implementation and continuous improvement of best practice project management methods.
• Support the Saab Seaeye organisation generally in developing new business opportunities.

Skills and Experience

• Previous experience within a face-paced engineering or manufacturing environment.
• Professional certifications such as PMP, PRINCE2 or equivalent.
• A degree in a related field, such as business, management, or engineering would be beneficial but not essential
• Proven ability to manage projects from inception through completion
• Experience working with multiple internal and external stakeholders as part of a successful project delivery.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, along with strong interpersonal skills for stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to motivate and guide project teams.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and time management.
• Effective Analytical skills to address challenges and drive solutions.
• Familiarity with project management frameworks such as Agile, Waterfall, Scrum or similar.

By submitting an application to Saab UK you consent to undertaking workforce screening activities that may include but are not limited to: Baseline Personnel Security checks, National Security Vetting, reference checks, verification of working rights and in all circumstances preferred candidates will be placed through a security interview.