Senior Project Manager

MSI-DS Ltd; Norwich; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence technology company based in Norwich is seeking a Senior Project Manager to manage a team and ensure project delivery aligned with customer contracts. The role includes developing project management best practices and handling multiple projects simultaneously while ensuring effective communication with customers. Candidates should have a strong background in project management, leadership experience, and relevant qualifications such as PRINCE2 or PMP.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of managing complex projects effectively.
• Experience mentoring and leading a team of project managers.
• Exceptional understanding of project management methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Manage Project Management team, ensuring effective project delivery.
• Develop project management best practices and tools.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve project issues.

Skills

Leading and managing a project management team

Managing multiple and complex projects

Delivering projects within time, budget, and quality

Exceptional communication skills

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Education

Level 3 standard (A Levels or equivalent)

Project management qualifications (PRINCE2, PMP)

Tools

MS Project

Excel

Job description

JOB TITLE: Senior Project Manager

SALARY: Competitive

HOURS: 37 ½ hours per wk – Half day Friday’s.

LOCATION: Norwich, NR7

About Us

At the forefront of modern defence, MSI-Defence Systems Ltd (MSI-DS) specialise in advanced Remote Weapon Stations for land-based counter-drone and naval applications, helping armed forces to stay ahead of rapidly evolving threats.

With almost 140 years of defence manufacturing expertise, we deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions engineered to meet the most demanding and stringent operational requirements and as a trusted supplier to the UK Armed Forces and more than 40 militaries worldwide, our class‑leading products surpass capability expectations whilst also offering unrivalled through‑life in service support.

We are currently in a phase of strategic growth, investing in new technologies, expanding our global footprint, and strengthening our position as a leader in next‑generation defence systems. This growth is driven by our people. We are a people‑centric organisation that values collaboration, innovation, and integrity, and we actively support work–life balance, continuous learning, and long‑term career progression. Joining us means becoming part of a forward‑looking business where your expertise is valued, your development is supported, and your work makes a real‑world impact.

About the role

The Senior Project Manager manages a Project Management team, ensuring the effective delivery of all projects in alignment with customer contracts and the company's objectives. This position plays an integral part in leading and developing best practices and standardisation of Project Management processes in conjunction with the Head of Project Management.

This role will manage multiple projects from inception to completion, as well as having overall responsibility of the team's project delivery. This position's key focus will be to ensure that you and the team create and maintain accurate project schedules, ensuring project financials are achieved and resolving issues that arise during the project lifecycle.

The primary responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Managing direct reports by providing guidance, support and mentorship to enhance their skills and foster a collaborative team environment
• Developing and implementing project management best practices, tools, and methodologies across the team with the support of the Head of Project Management
• Supporting the Head of Project Management with reviewing and developing the departmental manual to best align with project management best practices
• Assisting the Head of Project Management with oversight and monitoring all project key metrics including timescales, budgets and quality standards. Helping the team to identify and implement areas of improvement or prevent slippage
• Leading the delivery of assigned projects, ensuring successful completion within agreed timelines, budgets, and quality standards
• Acting as the primary liaison with customers to ensure their requirements are met and expectations manage
• Creating and maintaining project schedules including resource requirements, budgets, risk register including identification and mitigations, and other project documentation
• Collaborating with cross‑functional teams to resolve resource conflicts and project challenges
• Tracking project performance, analysing key metrics, weekly reporting and identifying areas for improvement
• Maintaining accurate project data in project management tools and system
• Leading regular project review meetings, both internally and with customers, to communicate progress and resolve issues. Ensuring accurate minutes of all project meetings, are distributed to all stakeholders in timely manner
• Leading process improvement initiatives at critical project milestones to enhance project delivery through lesson learned sessions

About you

To be a successful candidate for this role you must be able to demonstrate the below attributes and skillsets:

Qualifications/ education

• Qualified to a minimum of a Level 3 standard (A Levels (4 - 9 or A* - C), apprenticeship or equivalent)
• Project management qualifications (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP)

Technical skills/ experience

• Experience in leading, managing and mentoring a project management team
• Experience in managing multiple and complex projects at any one time
• Proven track record of delivering projects within time, budget, and quality constraints
• Exceptional understanding and application of project management methodologies
• Advanced proficiency in project management tools such as MS Project, Excel and other relevant software

Personal Attributes/Person Specification

• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage and collaborate effectively with customers, executives, and internal teams
• Ability to perform under pressure and meet tight deadlines while maintaining a high standard of quality
• Strong commercial and contractual acumen
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a results‑driven mindset
• Full UK driving licence and a valid passport with no travel restrictions

Desirable

• Experience in defence or manufacturing sectors
• Experience with using ERP or MRP systems

How to apply

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and be a part of a company that values your skills and contributions, we encourage you to apply by clicking the apply button!