Manager jobs in United States

Senior Project Manager / Lead
Location: Chelmsford

Please note: Due to the nature of certain projects, applicants must be UK Nationals and eligible for, or already holding, security clearance.

We are seeking an experienced and results–driven Senior Project Manager / Lead to take ownership of delivering strategic R&D and customer–funded projects. This role combines hands–on programme leadership with strategic oversight, ensuring successful outcomes that align with customer expectations, commercial goals, and organisational priorities.

You will lead a team of Project Managers, working across a matrixed environment with senior stakeholders, engineering teams, and commercial functions to enable high–quality delivery.

• Lead and guide a team of Project Managers, fostering a high–performance, delivery–focused culture.
• Manage complex, cross–functional R&D and product–based projects, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
• Collaborate with engineering leadership to align project plans, resources, and milestones.
• Build and maintain strong customer and stakeholder relationships, ensuring clear communication of goals, risks, and progress.
• Champion project management best practices, governance, and tools across the portfolio.
• Develop and maintain project schedules using Microsoft Project, with reporting through Project Server and other PM tools.
• Coordinate timely Phase Gate Reviews and manage project scope, risks, and dependencies.
• Monitor budgets and financial performance, working with Finance to analyse forecasts and cost exposure.
• Present dashboards and performance updates to the Senior Leadership Team.
• Support sales and business development by contributing to bids and proposals.

• Extensive experience managing engineering projects through the full lifecycle, ideally with a focus on new product development.
• Proven ability to energise teams to meet demanding timescales.
• Strong customer management skills, with the ability to balance expectations and avoid scope creep.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills across all levels.
• Strong problem–solving skills and sound judgement on when to escalate issues.
• Proficiency in project management tools such as MS Project and Project Server (or equivalent).
• Working knowledge of SAP is an advantage.
• Knowledge and qualification in recognised methodologies (APM Body of Knowledge, PRINCE2, PMP, or similar).