Senior Project Manager

Smiths (Gloucester) Ltd; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in threat detection is seeking a Senior Project Manager to oversee major complex projects in a matrix environment. Responsibilities include managing project delivery, leading teams, and ensuring compliance with quality processes. The ideal candidate should possess project management qualifications and relevant experience, with strong skills in communication and leadership. Competitive compensation and benefits are offered to foster a diverse work culture.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Inclusive work culture

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Internationally recognized project management qualification or relevant experience as a Programme Manager.
• HND minimum in relevant field desired.
• Understanding of complex sensor systems and cross-functional priorities.

Responsibilities

• Drive project delivery excellence by applying project management methodologies.
• Lead cross-functional teams to deliver projects on schedule and within budget.
• Develop proposals and manage external stakeholders.

Skills

Proven project management experience

Strong communication and people management

Problem-solving

Baseline planning, scheduling

Familiarity with tools such as SAP, Primavera

Attention to detail

Education

Degree in Business/Project Management or Technology/Engineering

Tools

SAP

Primavera

Oracle ERP

MS Project

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 to protect society from threats and illegal passage of explosives, prohibited weapons, contraband, toxic chemicals, and narcotics.

Job Description: As a senior professional, the Senior Project Manager (SPM) is responsible for driving project delivery excellence across the assigned portfolio by applying a broad range of recognised project management methodologies. This includes team leadership covering both project delivery and support. The SPM is accountable for the successful delivery of major complex projects spanning Commercial and/or Technology, managing integrated project teams in a matrix organisation. The SPM role is versatile and day-to-day duties will vary by portfolio, but the overall purpose remains the same.

Duties

• Project Management: Initiate, plan, monitor & control, communicate and close-out projects, including completing Product Lifecycle Process Gates where applicable. Apply best practice and operate in accordance with Smiths Detection PEC processes.
• Lead integrated project and/or cross-functional teams to deliver projects on schedule, within budget, and in line with PEC processes.
• Coordinate project activities with project management, finance and project controls teams; maintain project records in defined software tools/databases.
• Ensure assigned projects have artefacts such as Work Breakdown Structure, Cost Breakdown Structure, RACI, scheduling, resource planning, risk and change controls, as required by project categorisation.
• Establish and maintain cost and schedule baselines; manage scope; apply PEC risk and change control processes. Conduct monthly variance analysis and present findings at project reviews; drive corrective actions.
• Act as a role model and mentor to junior project management team members and provide ad-hoc support.
• When required, act as Deputy for the Portfolio Head of Projects, including supervising team activities and representing the portfolio in reviews or meetings.
• Champion collaboration across the project management function and wider Smiths Detection business; integrate assigned Commercial and/or Technology projects to maximise end-to-end delivery.

• Commercial projects: lead or contribute to customer tenders in accordance with Bid and Pursue Programme Lifecycle; prepare a compliance matrix and document associated risks.
• Negotiate project deliverables, specifications, requirements, budget/contract value or schedule with customers; complete project Kick-off and Sales-to-Project handover.
• Manage external stakeholders during execution, report progress, handle change, risks and issues, and conduct contract closeout; oversee revenue reporting and handover to service.

• Technology projects: initiate and control feasibility studies per PEC Technology Development Management Process; plan and execute product development, enhancements, or sustaining projects aligned to a business case.
• Collaborate with Product Management to deliver outcomes, initiate product release activities and support handover to Manufacturing to resolve issues; assist with field service issues or product complaints.
• External stakeholders: collaborate with suppliers to achieve defined objectives.

• Portfolio-specific duties: act as Group Lead for designated project groups; lead and develop project/programme managers; line-manage PMs; forecast sales and TGM; identify acceleration opportunities; coordinate with Head of Programme Management & PMO; serve as first escalation point for customers; inject best practices.

People And Talent Management

• Promote disciplined project management globally; develop knowledge across functions.
• Map programmes to define role profiles, team structures and competencies; create inclusive project environments to maximise team effectiveness and individual development.

Commercial

• Ensure best-practice project management, provide transparent customer reporting, and monitor/control projects professionally to meet commitments and maximise value.

Policies And Procedures

• Ensure compliance with Ethics, Health, Safety and Environment policies; contribute to standardising and integrating Programme Lifecycle Management, Product Lifecycle Process and Technology Development Management Process into a PEC framework; maintain the PEC process framework.

Qualifications

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

Knowledge

• Extensive knowledge of project management methodologies (Waterfall, PRINCE2, Agile, etc.).
• Understanding of planning techniques and project controls (earned value management); awareness of complex sensor systems and cross-functional priorities.

Skills

• Proven project management experience; strong communication and people management; problem-solving; baseline planning, scheduling, forecasting, cost/schedule integration; resource management and IBP integration; familiarity with tools such as SAP, Primavera, Oracle ERP, MS Project, Pertmaster, Active Risk Manager, Cobra, Power BI.
• Ability to drive continuous improvement and experience with product development lifecycle in a commercial environment.

Competence And Abilities

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills; ability to communicate with varied audiences; experience building and managing multicultural teams in a matrix environment.
• Attention to detail, initiative, governance advocacy, and capability to produce and manage baselined, cost-loaded plans with milestones.
• Ability to produce senior leadership reports; manage change activities from proposal to integration into the Performance Measurement Baseline.

Planning And Decision Making

• Plan, organise and execute projects; operate with delegated authority and escalate issues promptly; work autonomously under strategic direction.

Impact And Scope

• Senior leadership role with accountability for major projects spanning Commercial and/or Technology; failure to deliver impacts divisional objectives.

Key Internal And External Relationships

• NW Europe Programme Director, Global Programmes Director, Market Heads, VP Technology & Programmes, VP Commercial, Programme Excellence Centre Team, Technology Finance Directors, Project Controls, customers and suppliers.

Additional information: To find out more about life at Smiths Detection, check our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/smiths-detection/ and follow our story. Join us for a great career with competitive compensation & benefits while helping keep the world safer.

Diversity & Inclusion: We believe diverse perspectives and backgrounds make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or other legally protected characteristics. We are an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, celebrating and embracing diversity. We do not request payment during the hiring process. Apply directly through our careers website: www.smithsdetection.com/careers. This posting also reiterates our commitment to equal opportunity and inclusive employment practices.