At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex defence projects from concept to delivery with multidisciplinary teams.
- Company: Join a leading engineering and technology organisation in the defence sector.
- Benefits: Permanent role with competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with potential for travel and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence engineering while working on cutting-edge projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or Project Management and active UK Security Clearance required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 70000 £ per year.
Location: Hampshire
Contract Type: Permanent
IMPORTANT: Candidates must hold ACTIVE UK Security Clearance (SC) to be considered. Due to the nature of the work, applicants must already possess active UK Security Clearance and be eligible to work on sensitive defence programmes.
About the Role
We are supporting a leading engineering and technology organisation delivering advanced capability solutions within the defence and underwater systems domain. They are seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to lead the successful delivery of complex engineering and defence projects from concept through to final delivery. The role will involve working closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, customers, subcontractors, and senior stakeholders to ensure programmes are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially aware and technically credible Project Manager with experience operating in highly regulated engineering or defence environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the full lifecycle delivery of complex engineering and defence projects.
- Develop and maintain detailed project schedules, milestones, and delivery plans.
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in line with customer requirements.
- Monitor project performance and implement corrective actions where required.
- Prepare and manage project budgets and forecasts.
- Ensure commercial viability throughout the project lifecycle.
- Support bid and proposal activities including scope development, resource planning, and costing.
- Manage contract deliverables, variations, and amendments.
- Conduct formal risk assessments and maintain risk management documentation.
- Escalate risks and delivery concerns appropriately.
- Lead project reviews, reporting activities, and governance meetings.
- Support delivery through structured lifecycle and stage-gate processes.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, suppliers, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders.
- Chair project meetings and provide regular progress reporting.
- Coordinate multidisciplinary teams and external partners to achieve successful project outcomes.
Leadership
- Provide leadership across project teams and promote collaborative working practices.
- Coach and mentor team members where appropriate.
- Contribute to continuous improvement within the project management function.
- Strong project management expertise across the full project lifecycle.
- Experience managing project budgets, forecasting, and commercial delivery.
- Excellent stakeholder management and customer-facing communication skills.
- Experience managing subcontractors and cross-functional engineering teams.
- Strong risk management, planning, and organisational skills.
- Familiarity with structured project delivery methodologies and governance frameworks.
- Experience using project scheduling and tracking tools such as MS Project.
- Previous experience within defence, maritime, subsea, or highly regulated engineering environments.
- Experience working within V-Model or stage-gate delivery frameworks.
- Bid, proposal, or business case development experience.
Qualifications
- Degree qualified in Engineering, Project Management, Business Management, or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
Additional Information
- Permanent position based in Hampshire.
- Occasional travel may be required depending on project requirements.
- Due to programme requirements, active UK Security Clearance (SC) is essential.
Senior Defence Project Manager – SC Cleared (Hampshire) employer: DCS Engineering
Join a leading engineering and technology organisation in Hampshire, where your expertise as a Senior Defence Project Manager will be valued and nurtured. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and continuous improvement, alongside competitive benefits and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge defence projects. Here, you will not only lead complex programmes but also develop your skills in a supportive environment dedicated to excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Defence Project Manager – SC Cleared (Hampshire)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. Sometimes, it's all about who you know, so don’t be shy about asking for introductions or advice.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your project management skills and defence knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've led and how you tackled challenges. Show them you’re not just a manager, but a leader who can drive results!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your active UK Security Clearance! Make it clear in conversations and during interviews that you meet this crucial requirement. It’s a big plus in the defence industry, so flaunt it!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of landing that role! We want to see your application and help you get your foot in the door. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Defence Project Manager – SC Cleared (Hampshire)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Project Manager role. Highlight your experience in defence engineering and project management, especially in regulated environments. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Security Clearance:Since active UK Security Clearance (SC) is a must, make it prominent in your application. Let us know about your clearance status right at the top so we can quickly see you're eligible for this sensitive work.
Be Specific About Your Experience:When detailing your past projects, be specific about your role and the outcomes. We love numbers and results, so if you managed budgets or led teams, share those details! It helps us understand your impact.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at DCS Engineering
✨Know Your Security Clearance
Since active UK Security Clearance (SC) is a must for this role, be prepared to discuss your clearance status in detail. Make sure you understand the implications of your clearance and how it relates to the sensitive nature of the projects you'll be managing.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Expertise
Be ready to showcase your experience in leading complex engineering projects. Prepare specific examples that highlight your ability to manage budgets, schedules, and stakeholder relationships effectively. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Defence Standards
Brush up on the relevant regulations and standards within the defence sector. Understanding frameworks like V-Model or stage-gate delivery will show that you're not just technically savvy but also aware of the compliance aspects crucial for this role.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Expect questions about how you manage relationships with various stakeholders, including customers and subcontractors. Think of examples where you've successfully navigated challenges in communication or collaboration, and be ready to discuss your approach to building strong partnerships.
