Senior IT Project Manager - Armed Forces Recruitment Services

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

Job summary

A major public service provider in the UK is seeking a Senior IT Project Manager for their Armed Forces Recruitment Services. This role involves managing complex IT projects, overseeing delivery teams, and ensuring alignment with business objectives. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in IT project management within large organizations, preferably in regulated environments. The position offers a hybrid working model and is vital for National Defence services.

Benefits

Company car

Private healthcare

Bonus scheme

Flexible working

Pension - 6%

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of complex, high-impact IT projects.
• Oversee internal delivery teams and manage external delivery partners.
• Control project scope, timelines, and budgets.

Skills

Project management experience

Stakeholder engagement

Matrix team management

Risk management

Communication skills

Education

PRINCE2, PMP, or equivalent certification

Job description

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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 a world 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

About Serco
At Serco, not only is the nature of the work we do important, everyone has an important role to play, from caring for vulnerable people to managing complex public services. We are a team of 50,000 people responsible for delivering essential public services around the world in areas including defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare and citizen services. We are innovators, committed to redesigning and improving public services for the benefit of everyone.

By joining Serco you will have unlimited access to our Global Employee Networks - SercoInspire (Gender), SercoEmbrace (Multicultural), SercoUnlimited (Disability) and In@Serco (LGBT & Networks). Serco Employee Networks, led by colleagues who are passionate about diversity, inclusion and belonging.

Apply
Please click on the apply button to complete your application. Occasionally we receive a large volume of applications for our roles and when that happens we sometimes bring the closing date forward, so please apply promptly to avoid disappointment.

At Serco, we see people first and foremost for their performance and potential. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports the needs of all. As such we will make reasonable adjustments at interview through to employment for our candidates and strongly encourage applications from a diverse candidate pool. We are open to discussions around flexibility and flexible working. We operate a hybrid work structure in many of our business areas. We are proudly Disability Confident Leader employers and holder of the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview. For help with your application please contact 0345 010 4000.

At Serco we support fair access to employment for those with unspent criminal convictions through the 'Ban the Box' pledge (some may be exempt due to the nature of the role and the security clearance required). Please contact our recruitment team directly on 0345 010 4000 to discuss.