Project Manager - Replacement Warhead Programme

AWE; Reading; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A defense and security contractor based in Reading is looking for an experienced Project Manager to join its Replacement Warhead Programme. This role offers the chance to lead complex projects pivotal to national security while developing a team. Key responsibilities include managing project governance, resources, and risk, fostering a high standard of operational excellence. Candidates should demonstrate strong project management skills, leadership ability, and a commitment to continuous improvement, with a graduate level qualification or equivalent experience.

Benefits

270 hours of annual leave

Professional career development funding

Market-leading pension scheme

Employee assistance program

Relocation package available

Qualifications

• Experience in a complex project environment relevant to engineering.
• Ability to prioritize workload effectively under pressure.
• Desire for continuous improvement through evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Deliver assigned projects maintaining quality and safety.
• Manage project resources effectively.
• Lead planning and change initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project Management Tools

Risk Management

Problem Solving

Education

Graduate level qualification or equivalent

Tools

Project Management Software

Job description

It’s an exciting time to join us at AWE, we are at the start of a once in a generation programme to design and produce a replacement warhead for the UK’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent. As such, we are looking for an adaptable and experienced Project Manager to join the Replacement Warhead Programme. In this role, you will have the opportunity to make a difference and contribute to the security of our nation.

Location: We are in the Berkshire countryside between Reading and Basingstoke.

Salary: From £45,110, depending on experience and suitability.

AWE has been voted one of the best 25 big companies to work for in the UK. As part of our People Promise, we have a range of benefits to suit you. These include:

• Time to recharge your batteries with 270 hours of annual leave (including bank holidays, plus every other Friday off!).
• Opportunities for Professional Career Development that include funding for the annual membership of a relevant professional body, and access to mentors & training.
• Employee assistance programme and occupational health services.
• Market leading contributory pension scheme.
• AWE life assurance.
• Discounts & salary sacrifice scheme - access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending.
• Relocation package available (terms and conditions apply).

Whilst not to be considered a check list, candidates should be able to demonstrate some of the following:

• Demonstrable experience working within a complex project environment within a new product/engineering highly regulated environment would be beneficial.
• Graduate level qualification or equivalent demonstrable experience or Project Management practitioner qualification.
• Positive communicator and able to motivate stakeholders at all levels.
• Demonstrable leadership and the ability to build strong focused teams.
• Ability to effectively prioritise workload, resources, and deadlines within high pressure complex environments.
• Skills to create and update all project documentation, including project management plans and supporting risks, assumptions, actions, issues & dependencies.
• Experience of project management tools and techniques for budgeting, change management and project goal setting.
• A proven record to drive project deliverables forward, working cooperatively with teams who have a broad range of skills.
• Knowledge of methods to track project deliverables including implementing key performance indicators and producing project progress reports.
• Demonstrable Risk techniques to manage project risks and interdependencies with efficient mitigation and contingency plans.
• Experience to manage projects through a lifecycle and the associated governance, including stage gate approvals.
• Ability to solve problems and deliver results through creative solutions and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Desire for continuous improvement through evaluation of both successes and failures.
• Positive attitude and willingness to be hands‑on in a fast‑paced, growing company.

Key Accountabilities:

• Deliver assigned projects in accordance with requirements, operational constraints, time, cost, and quality.
• Lead, coach and develop a team at a local level to deliver team and personal objectives safely and securely to meet our operational plans.
• Maintain and promote high personal standards in environment, safety, health, security, and quality and be a great team player.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage projects with focus on Governance (compliance and reporting).
• Management of project resources (people, money).
• Lead the planning of the task/project.
• Manage work as defined in the Work Authorisation Document (WAD).
• Lead, support, and initiate change against the Performance Measurement Baseline (PMB).
• Lead, initiate and perform risk and opportunity identification and subsequent actions.

The Company may require you to fulfil any other reasonable duties aligned to your position from time to time in line with business needs.

All candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. It can take several months for clearance to come through.