Senior Project Manager - Defence

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

Job summary

An engineering specialist firm in the UK is looking for a Senior Project Manager to lead high-profile Defence programmes. This pivotal role requires overseeing project delivery, managing budgets, and interfacing with clients. Candidates should have a strong background in complex programme management, preferably within the Defence sector. If you are a dynamic leader eager to contribute to important projects, apply now.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in managing complex programme budgets.
• Experience within the Defence sector and engineering projects.
• Ability to lead projects in high-pressure environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead Defence projects from initiation to completion.
• Manage financial performance and keep within budget.
• Interface with key Defence clients and stakeholders.

Skills

Complex programme management

Leadership

Change management

Stakeholder management

Job description

Job Description

Company:

Innova Search are proudly representing a UK engineering specialist who supply bespoke engineered products and solutions to some of the largest defence and manufacturing companies globally. The company have been operating for over 80 years and has over 1000 colleagues worldwide.

Over the past 30 years, the business has tendered and successfully won large-scale, multi-year manufacturing contracts across the defence sector, due to this, the company is going through sustained growth and offers an excellent career opportunity to help drive this organic growth even further.

The Role:

Our client is seeking a driven and experienced Senior Project Manager (Defence) to lead the successful delivery of high-profile Defence programmes. This is a pivotal role, responsible for ensuring quality, cost, and delivery expectations are consistently met.

You will directly manage a cross-functional team and engage extensively with departments including Engineering, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, and Finance.

Key Responsibilities:

* Provide strategic leadership to drive Defence projects from initiation to completion, ensuring alignment with agreed timelines, budgets, and quality standards

* Ensure strict adherence to Health & Safety and Quality management systems throughout the project lifecycle

* Oversee financial performance to ensure programmes remain within budgetary constraints

* Deliver project-specific revenue and cash flow targets

* Identify, assess, and manage programme risks and opportunities proactively

* Act as the primary interface with key Defence clients and stakeholders at a major OEM level

* Lead the execution of all contracted deliverables, ensuring milestones are achieved

* Organise and facilitate regular project updates and communication touchpoints

* Collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to support overall programme success

* Contribute to ongoing transformation initiatives aimed at enhancing operational excellence

* Champion the use of visual management tools and high-impact project reporting techniques

* Drive the development, implementation, and maintenance of world-class facilities and processes

Required Experience & Skills:

* Strong track record in managing and controlling complex programme budgets and financial performance

* Ideally possesses experience within the Defence sector, working with large-scale, technically complex engineering projects

* Demonstrated ability to lead challenging projects involving intricate engineered solutions

* Skilled in implementing and embedding effective change management strategies

* Adept at motivating and guiding cross-functional teams through high-pressure, multi-programme environments

* Experience working with multiple stakeholders, including demanding clients and new product development scenarios

If you’re a dynamic project leader ready to play a critical role in high-value Defence programmes, and this opportunity sounds like the right fit for you, please click 'apply' now