Project Manager / Senior Project Manager - PMCM Defence

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Thrive programme

Gymflex scheme

Job summary

WSP is seeking experienced Project Managers and Senior Project Managers to deliver high-value defence and security projects across the UK. You will report to the Project Lead, manage resources, meetings and reports, and ensure delivery on time and within budget.

You will collaborate with clients and internal teams, oversee risk and change control, and support work-winning activities as part of a growing NEC ECC team across UK sectors.

Qualifications

• Qualified PM with experience delivering defence/security infrastructure projects.
• Experience with NEC4/ECC contract management.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and client relationship skills.
• Proficient in risk, change and commercial management with focus on delivery performance.
• Progress towards chartership or active membership in professional bodies.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-value, complex defence and security projects and programmes.
• Lead and support multidisciplinary teams across the project lifecycle.
• Manage scope, cost, schedule and risk in line with project plans.
• Develop and maintain client relationships and secure ongoing work through effective governance.

Skills

Defence sector experience

Contract management (NEC4/ECC)

Stakeholder engagement

Risk & change management

Multi-disciplinary teams

Security Clearance eligibility

Client relationship building

Project delivery leadership

Education

PMP/APM/PRINCE2

Tools

NEC4/ECC resources

Job description

Job Description

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

Who We Are

WSP is a global leader in engineering and professional services, delivering innovative solutions that shape communities and advance society. With over 75,000 employees worldwide, WSP combines technical excellence with a commitment to sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. Our award‑winning culture empowers professionals to tackle complex challenges and create a better future.

What Is PMCM

Project, Commercial & Programme Management (PMCM) at WSP ensures successful project delivery through integrated management of scope, cost, schedule, and risk. Our team of over 400 professionals support clients from concept to completion, applying structured methodologies and digital tools to deliver resilient, efficient infrastructure. This team’s current projects range from major highways, rail and light rail, urban infrastructure, civils, energy, flood, water, wind, carbon capture, nuclear, defence and large‑scale utilities projects. We are looking to strengthen our NEC ECC PM team in supporting all of these sectors with openings in project management at various levels across the UK.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking Project Managers and Senior Project Managers to deliver high‑value, complex projects and programmes within the Defence and Security sector. In this role, you will report to the Project Lead and be responsible for delivering projects in line with the project plan. Depending on experience, you may lead smaller projects or support larger programmes. We are looking for proactive individuals who can build strong relationships with clients and internal teams to scope and deliver work to budget, on time, and in line with client expectations and WSP’s Business Management System. This is a hands‑on role involving organising meetings, writing reports, managing resources, and monitoring finances.
You will undertake traditional project management activities, including (but not limited to:

• Scope and resource management
• Financial and schedule monitoring
• Change control
• Risk management
• Client management

This is combined with additional Defence and Security requirements such as security management. As part of a growing and diverse team, you will work on complex building and infrastructure projects spanning the RIBA design stages. We are relatively new to the sector and are recruiting following several significant wins with both public and private sector clients. Beyond delivering for our clients, you will help develop a strong defence and security culture within WSP and support ongoing work‑winning activities as an ambassador for the sector. We operate nationwide, working flexibly between home, WSP offices and client sites, travelling as required to meet project needs.

The Ideal Candidate Will Demonstrate

• Proven experience in the Defence, Security or related sectors sector supporting project delivery for construction or infrastructure projects
• Recognised qualifications (PMP, APM, PRINCE2, or equivalent) and experience managing diverse, multidisciplinary infrastructure projects.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to build enduring client relationships.
• Commercial acumen, including financial discipline and experience with NEC4/ECC contract management (accreditation or significant experience preferred).
• Proficiency in risk, change, and commercial management, driving improvement and innovation.
• Ability to support or lead multidisciplinary teams in dynamic environments, fostering collaboration and high performance.
• Experience working with clients across sectors such as highways, rail, urban infrastructure, energy, flood, water, wind, carbon capture, nuclear, defence, or large‑scale utilities.
• Progression towards chartership or current membership of professional institutions (e.g., APM, MRICS, MCCIOB, MCIHT, CEng, MAPM, MICE), or equivalent experience.
• Commitment to professional development, sustainability, and contributing to WSP’s wider initiatives.
• Experience managing health and safety, quality, and environmental aspects of projects.
• Eligibility to obtain Security Clearance

Desirable Knowledge

• MOD policy, processes and procedures
• Understanding of USVF Infrastructure Programme
• Familiarity with JSPs, particularly JSP 850
• Working towards recognised project management qualifications (PMI, APM, RICS, CIOB)
• Progress towards NEC3/4 Project Manager accreditation
• Existing network within the Defence and Security sector
• Additional recognised PM qualifications
• Eligibility for Security Clearance

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Join our close‑knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

About Us

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long‑lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Work‑life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community.

Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing

• We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme.
• Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most.
• Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

• To enhance work‑life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day.
• We also provide part‑time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.

At WSP, we’re interested in you, your experience, your potential and the way you think. AI can be a useful tool to support your application and preparation, and our guidance explains how you can use it responsibly throughout our recruitment process. UK Policies | WSP