Senior IT Project Manager - Armed Forces Recruitment Services

Serco Limited; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 67,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading service provider in the UK seeks a Senior IT Project Manager to oversee the delivery of major IT projects for Armed Forces Recruitment Services. This role demands proven experience in managing complex projects, strong stakeholder engagement, and a robust understanding of risk management. The successful candidate will work in a hybrid environment, ensuring adherence to business objectives and strategy while collaborating with internal teams and suppliers.

Benefits

Company car

Private healthcare

Bonus scheme of 5% on target and 10% exceeding targets

Flexible working considered

Pension - 6%

Employee Assistance Programme

Chance to contribute to innovation in public services

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing complex IT projects within large organisations.
• Strong experience in managing matrix teams and third-party suppliers.
• Excellent communication skills to influence senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of complex IT projects with significant implications.
• Oversee internal delivery teams and manage external suppliers.
• Control project scope, timelines, budgets, and report accurately.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Risk management

Budgeting and cost control

Communication skills

Agile delivery

Waterfall delivery

Education

PRINCE2, PMP, MSP or equivalent certification

Job description

Senior IT Project Manager - Armed Forces Recruitment Services
Hybrid - Attached to Solihull/Hook/Bristol
Full Time, Permanent
Band 3 / £67,000 - £77,000 (Dependent on experience)

As a Senior IT Project Manager working on the Armed Forces Recruitment Services contract, you will be responsible for the end-to-end delivery of major IT work packages-either as standalone projects or as part of broader transformation programmes. The contract team is based at MOD Abbeywood in Bristol, so visibility and regular presence at this site are essential. Defence experience is a must.

This is a strategic and hands-on role requiring expert stakeholder engagement, cross-functional leadership, and rigorous governance. You'll work across internal teams and third-party suppliers, owning full project lifecycle delivery and ensuring alignment with business objectives, IT strategy, and compliance frameworks.

What you'll do:

Take full ownership of complex, high-impact IT projects, often with significant business or political implications.

Oversee internal delivery teams and manage external delivery partners and suppliers.

Apply robust project controls, risk management, change control, and quality assurance throughout the lifecycle.

Control project scope, timelines, and budgets, ensuring accurate reporting and corrective actions when needed.

Collaborate with Business Unit Delivery Partners and Solution Leads to shape repeatable, scalable IT solutions.

Ensure successful service transition, with full operational readiness and stakeholder sign-off.

Deputise for Business Unit Delivery Partners or Principle Delivery Managers when required.

What you'll need to do the role:

Proven experience managing complex IT projects within large organisations (preferably in regulated or public sector environments).

MOD experience is highly desirable.

Strong experience in managing matrix teams and third-party suppliers.

Proficiency in project financials, including budgeting and cost control.

Strong grasp of IT service transition, risk management, and quality assurance.

Excellent communication skills, capable of influencing senior stakeholders and promoting project success.

Agile and/or Waterfall delivery experience is desirable.

PRINCE2, PMP, MSP or equivalent certification preferred.

Why Serco:

Meaningful and vital work: In this position, your work is vital to the business, in terms of decisions and growth. You will gain aworld of opportunity working for a globally operating business delivering essential services across 5 vital sectors, personal growth, achievement and development won't be hard to find. You'll also work with great people. You'll find yourself working in a highly motivated, supportive environment where no two days are the same, with experienced colleagues who strive for excellence.

What we offer:

• Company car
• Private healthcare
• Bonus scheme of 5% on target and 10% exceeding targets
• Flexible working considered
• Pension - 6%
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Chance to contribute to innovation in the public services
• A company passionate about diversity and inclusion