Senior Project Manager

ZipRecruiter; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in threat detection is seeking a Senior Project Manager to oversee complex projects across Aviation, Aerospace, and Rail sectors. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in project management, excellent leadership skills, and a proven track record of successful project completion. This role involves managing integrated project teams, ensuring project delivery excellence, and mentoring junior team members. Join us in making a difference in societal safety and security.

Qualifications

• Proven Senior Project Management experience in Aviation, Aerospace or Rail.
• Extensive knowledge of project management methodologies (e.g., Waterfall, PRINCE2, Agile).
• Experience with baseline planning, forecasting, and cost/schedule integration.

Responsibilities

• Accountable for all phases of assigned projects, ensuring timely delivery.
• Lead cross-functional teams to achieve project goals within budget.
• Conduct monthly variance analysis and present at project reviews.

Skills

Project Management

Communication

Problem-solving

Leadership

Cost Management

Education

Degree qualification in Business/Project Management

Professional qualification in project management

Tools

SAP

Primavera

Oracle ERP

MS Project

Power BI

Job description

Overview

Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group, is a global leader in threat detection and screening technologies for aviation, ports & borders, defense, and urban security. Our expertise spans 5 R&D centers, 21 global offices and 7 manufacturing sites with 3000 professionals contributing for over 40 years at the frontline to deliver solutions that protect society from threats and illegal passage of explosives, prohibited weapons, contraband, toxic chemicals, and narcotics.

As a senior professional, the Senior Project Manager (SPM) is responsible for driving project delivery excellence across their assigned portfolio by applying a broad range of recognised project management methodologies. This includes team leadership covering both project delivery and support. You will be accountable for the successful delivery of major complex projects that span Commercial and/or Technology, managing integrated project teams in a matrix organisation.

Successful applicants will have a proven Senior Project Management background leading complex projects including commercial pricing within either Aviation, Aerospace or Rail sectors.

Duties

Project Management:

• Accountable for initiating, planning, monitoring & controlling, communicating and close-out phases for all assigned projects, including completion of Product Lifecycle Process Gates where applicable. Apply best practice and operate in accordance with relevant PEC processes.
• Lead the activities of integrated project and/or cross-functional teams to achieve successful completion of projects to their committed delivery dates within budgeted costs and in accordance with PEC processes.
• Execute projects in the standardised business rhythm that coordinates project management, finance and project controls teams. Ensure project records are maintained within defined software tools/databases.
• Ensure assigned projects have an adequate set of artefacts (e.g., Work Breakdown Structure, Cost Breakdown Structure, RACI Matrix, scheduling, resource planning, risk and change management controls, etc.) commensurate to the project categorisation.
• Establish cost and schedule baselines and maintain them through forecast updates, managing scope. Apply PEC risk and change control processes.
• With support from Project Controls, conduct monthly variance analysis and track corrective/preventive actions. Present this information at monthly project reviews or as required.
• Mentor junior project management team members and provide ad-hoc support based on experience.
• When required, act as Deputy for the Portfolio Head of Projects, including supervising team members and representing at reviews or meetings.
• Champion collaboration across the project management function and the wider Smiths Detection business. Integrate assigned Commercial and/or Technology projects to maximise end-to-end delivery.

Typical duties specific to Commercial projects:

• Lead or contribute to customer tenders following the Bid and Pursue Programme Lifecycle Process, including a compliance matrix and risk reporting.
• Negotiate with customers on deliverables, specifications, requirements, budget/contract value and schedule.
• Complete project Kick-off and Sales-to-Project Management handover.
• Manage external stakeholders during execution, delivering per customer expectations while controlling scope per contractual requirements. Include progress reporting, change/risk/issues management and contract closeout.
• Finance management including revenue recognition and reporting.
• Ensure successful handover to service.

Typical duties specific to Technology projects:

• Initiate and control feasibility or science and technology studies per PEC Technology Development Management Process.
• Plan and execute product development, enhancement or sustaining projects defined by an approved business case from Product Management.
• Collaborate with Product Management to deliver outcomes per the business case or manage adjustments in a controlled manner. Initiate product release activities and support handover to Manufacturing, resolving issues as required.
• Support resolution of field service issues or product complaints.
• External stakeholder management focuses on collaboration with suppliers and achieving defined objectives.

Portfolio duties

• Serve as Group Lead for a designated group of projects and oversee PMs assigned to the Group.
• Lead and develop allocated project/programme managers and other resources.
• Line-manage allocated PMs.
• Identify development activities to advance team capability.
• Coordinate forecasting of sales and Target Gross Margin (TGM) for programmes/projects within the Group.
• Identify opportunities to accelerate programmes where feasible with customer approval.
• Coordinate with the Head of Programme Management & PMO to maximise resource utilisation and ensure efficient delivery of installations.
• Act as the first point of escalation for customers within the Group.

Policies and Procedures

• Promote and lead business change to standardise and integrate Programme Lifecycle Management, Product Lifecycle Process and Technology Development Management Process into a PEC process framework across the global business.

Educational requirements

• Internationally recognised professional qualification in project management (equivalent to IPMA level B/C) or relevant practical experience as a Programme Manager on complex programmes.
• Degree qualification (HND minimum) in Business/Project Management or Technology/Engineering is desirable.

Knowledge

• Proven Senior Project Management experience in Aviation, Aerospace or Rail.
• Extensive knowledge of project management methodologies (e.g., Waterfall, PRINCE2, Agile) from experience, exposure and training.
• Good understanding of planning methodologies/techniques and other project controls such as earned value management.
• Awareness of complex integrated technology-based sensor systems and the roles of technology and products in the market.
• Awareness of cross-functions and how they support major technology projects (R&D, Legal, Finance, Supply Chain, Service, etc.).

Skills

• Extensive experience as a project manager in engineering/technology or construction/infrastructure environments are desirable. Demonstrated experience across the complete project lifecycle and varying project complexity.
• Strong verbal and written communication and people management skills.
• Proven problem-solving skills and experience leading integrated teams to deliver projects.
• Experience in baseline planning and scheduling, forecasting and estimating, and cost/schedule integration.
• Exposure to resource management and Integrated Business Planning.
• Experience with critical path analysis, reporting, risk management tracking and corrective action plans.
• Experience with software tools such as SAP, Primavera, Oracle ERP, MS Project, PERTmaster, Active Risk Manager, Cobra, Power BI.
• Ability to drive continuous improvement across responsibilities using formal and informal approaches.
• Experience in product development including introduction, enhancement, sustaining and managing customer relationships in a commercial environment.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds drive a flourishing company. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of religion, sex, gender, economic status, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are committed to inclusivity, equality and ethics.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, or any recruitment partners, request payment to enable participation. To avoid fraudulent requests, apply directly through our careers site (Careers - Smiths Group plc).