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- Tasks: Lead diverse projects ensuring top-notch delivery and collaboration across teams.
- Company: Join QinetiQ Target Systems, a leader in innovative unmanned aerial and surface target systems.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, generous holiday, and competitive salary with great perks.
- Why this job: Be part of exciting defence projects with opportunities for career growth and impactful work.
- Qualifications: STEM qualification level 3+, 3 years project management experience, strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Must be eligible for SC clearance; work in Ashford 3 days a week.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Ashford, Kent
Company: QinetiQ Target Systems
Hours: 37 hours per week, flexible hybrid working
About the role
We are currently recruiting for a Project Manager to join QinetiQ Target Systems (QTS) within our Business Delivery Team. The QTS business specialises in the design and manufacture of a range of state-of-the-art Unmanned Aerial and Surface Target systems, including the world-leading Banshee target. QTS targets are used to enable realistic weapons test and evaluation and operator training in over forty countries worldwide, with QTS providing a complete managed service in over fifteen of these countries.
What will I be doing?
Reporting to the Head of Programmes you will be responsible for providing leadership to QTS Projects of varying complexity (subject to experience) to ensure that they are delivered to the highest standards. Projects will often be multi-functional, requiring the incumbent to work closely with the Engineering, Operations and Field Services teams to constantly improve and develop the company’s product portfolio. They will also be required to work closely with colleagues in the customer account teams, in both Ashford and across areas of the wider QinetiQ business to ensure delivery.
Duties will include:
- Ensure safety standards are adhered to, and that relevant company processes are followed (e.g. Engineering Design, Quality, Procurement)
- Through the application of Project Lifecycle Framework, management of one or more QTS internal and/or external projects.
- Working alongside an appropriate Technical Expert, develop and maintain detailed project plans and schedules to track and report progress.
- Coordinate resources both internal and third parties/suppliers.
- Ensure resource availability and allocation, working with the Head of Programmes and Project Management team to deconflict and prioritise as necessary to meet business needs.
- Manage relationships with stakeholders.
- Provide Support to bids and business case development.
- Promote strong collaboration between different QinetiQ sites and business units.
What do I need?
You will be qualified to STEM related qualification level 3 or higher and have strong management and stakeholder management skills. You will have at least 3 years Project Management experience in a relevant industry and demonstrable experience of project scheduling, cost control and technical performance measurement leading to required project outcomes.
We also ask that you:
- are able to work in the Ashford facility 3 days per week.
- are comfortable working with many internal stakeholders.
- are able to turn complex requirements into simple and achievable plans.
- are able to operate autonomously and reactively to changing requirements.
- have good IT skills and are an experienced user of MS Project and other MS Office tools.
- have good written and oral communication skills.
- are an excellent team player.
- have broad engineering/technical knowledge and curiosity.
It would be beneficial if you have:
- a Project Management qualification (APM, Prince 2 etc).
- experience in a product design and manufacturing environment.
- aviation or Weapons domain experience.
- an engineering qualification.
- domain knowledge of Unmanned Aerial Target systems including ground, target, and control systems.
Please note that all applicants must be eligible for SC clearance as a minimum.
What else do I need to know?
Joining QinetiQ offers you an opportunity to work on a broad range of exciting defence-based projects, with vast career progression across a global organisation, in addition to competitive personal and professional benefits. You will receive a competitive salary and benefits package: our basic salaries are very attractive, as we constantly review what is happening in the market. The range of benefits we offer includes adaptive and flexible/hybrid working, ample holiday entitlements, generous employer pension contributions, enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay, and the ability to purchase discounted Health Cash Plans, Private Medical Insurance, and Dental Insurance, plus much more.
Project Manager employer: QinetiQ
Contact Detail:
QinetiQ Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with QinetiQ's projects and their impact in the defence sector. Understanding their Unmanned Aerial and Surface Target systems will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of QinetiQ, especially those in project management roles. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your knowledge of project management methodologies like APM or Prince 2. Being able to discuss these frameworks and how you've applied them in past projects will demonstrate your expertise and suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed stakeholder relationships in previous roles. This is crucial for the Project Manager position, and having specific instances ready will showcase your ability to collaborate effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant Project Management experience, particularly in STEM fields. Emphasise your skills in project scheduling, cost control, and stakeholder management, as these are crucial for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, address how your experience aligns with the specific duties mentioned in the job description. Mention your familiarity with MS Project and your ability to work collaboratively across teams.
Showcase Relevant Qualifications: If you have any Project Management qualifications like APM or Prince 2, be sure to mention them prominently. Also, highlight any engineering qualifications or experience in the aviation or weapons domain.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail, which is essential for a Project Manager.
How to prepare for a job interview at QinetiQ
✨Understand the Project Lifecycle Framework
Familiarise yourself with the Project Lifecycle Framework that QinetiQ uses. Be prepared to discuss how you have applied similar frameworks in your previous roles and how they contributed to successful project outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Since the role requires managing relationships with various stakeholders, think of examples where you've successfully navigated complex stakeholder environments. Highlight your communication strategies and how you ensured alignment among different teams.
✨Demonstrate Technical Knowledge
Brush up on your knowledge of unmanned aerial systems and related technologies. Be ready to discuss any relevant experience you have in engineering or product design, as this will show your capability to lead technical projects effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to changing requirements. Think of past experiences where you had to pivot quickly and how you managed those situations to achieve project goals.
