Project Manager (Inside ir35)

Neighborhood Health; Rugeley; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor is seeking an experienced Project Manager to oversee the delivery of high-compliance naval projects. This role involves managing cross-functional teams, rigorous budget control, and effective stakeholder communication. The ideal candidate has a background in engineering or project management, with strong leadership skills and proficiency in project management tools. The position is based in Rugeley, offering a dynamic work environment with initial onsite requirements.

Qualifications

• Experienced Project Manager with a successful track record managing complex engineering projects within a regulated environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, schedules, and technical risks effectively.
• Professional project management certification desirable (e.g. APM, PMP).

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage end-to-end project delivery from initiation to final acceptance.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure successful delivery.
• Monitor project performance and implement corrective actions as necessary.

Skills

Project management

Budget management

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Project Management

Tools

MS Project

Primavera

IFS or equivalent ERP system

Job description

My client is looking for a Project Manager to work onsite initially in Rugeley 4 days per week and then reducing to 3 days. The role is inside IR35 and working on a naval project on submarines; so ideally a background in this industry or defence would be ideal.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage end-to-end project delivery from initiation to final acceptance within agreed timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams, including design engineers, manufacturing, procurement, quality assurance, and testing personnel.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, schedules, and risk registers.
• Monitor project performance against plan, cost and delivery, and identify appropriate corrective actions by conducting periodic cost, schedule, performance and risk reviews, implementing corrective actions where necessary.
• Provide effective leadership, manage customer interfaces, and communicate effectively to Senior Management, team members and peers to establish a common understanding of Project Scope and plan for successful programme execution.
• Motivate the team by communicating a shared vision, providing direction, setting goals and mentoring, creating a team environment that encourages people to work towards common objectives.
• Prioritise, identify and obtain the required resources, including facilities, tools and personnel to achieve successful project execution.
• Supply accurate cost and schedule information in the preparation of reports.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders, maintaining clear communication channels and strong relationships.
• Prepare and present project reports, dashboards, and status updates to senior management.
• Manage project budgets, forecasting, and change control processes.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the project management and delivery framework.

Qualifications And Experience

• Experienced Project Manager with a successful track record managing complex engineering projects within a regulated environment.
• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Project Management, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Professional project management certification desirable (e.g. APM, PMP).
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, schedules, and technical risks effectively.
• Competent in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera, or similar).
• PC and keyboard literate and working knowledge of project management tools, plus working knowledge of IFS or an equivalent ERP system.
• Experience of managing multi-disciplined projects with a focus on systems engineering and integration and/or manufacturing is highly desirable.

Key Attributes

• Detail-oriented, proactive, and able to thrive in a high-compliance environment.
• Strong leadership and decision-making skills.
• Collaborative approach with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
• Adaptable and capable of managing multiple priorities under pressure.
• Excellent leadership, delegation and teamwork skills with a collaborative mindset.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, influencing and persuading skills at all levels in the business.
• Resilient able to operate effectively under stretching project constraints, pressure and displays sound judgement at all times.