At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex engineering projects in defence from concept to delivery.
- Company: Leading engineering and technology organisation in the defence sector.
- Benefits: Permanent role with competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with occasional travel and strong career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence engineering while working with multidisciplinary teams.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or Project Management, plus 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 Project Manager employer: DCS Engineering
Join a leading engineering and technology organisation in Hampshire, where your expertise as a Senior Project Manager will be valued in delivering cutting-edge defence solutions. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, collaborative work culture, and the opportunity to lead complex projects, this role offers a rewarding environment for those with active UK Security Clearance. Enjoy competitive benefits and the chance to work alongside multidisciplinary teams dedicated to excellence in the defence sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence and engineering sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨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. Practice common interview questions with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, highlight your experience in managing multidisciplinary teams and how you foster collaboration. Share examples of how you’ve successfully delivered projects on time and within budget.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Keep an eye on our job listings and make sure your application stands out by tailoring it to the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience in managing complex engineering and defence projects. We want to see how you've led projects from concept to delivery, so don’t hold back on the details!
Tailor Your Application:Make your application stand out by tailoring it to the job description. Use keywords from the role, like 'risk management' and 'stakeholder communication', to show us you’re a perfect fit for the Senior Project Manager position.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary to break down your skills and experiences – it makes our job easier!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at DCS Engineering
✨Know Your Security Clearance
Since active UK Security Clearance is a must for this role, be prepared to discuss your clearance status in detail. Make sure you understand the implications of holding this clearance and how it relates to the sensitive nature of defence projects.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Expertise
Be ready to showcase your experience in managing complex engineering projects. Prepare specific examples that highlight your ability to lead project lifecycles, manage budgets, and deliver on time while meeting customer requirements.
✨Showcase Stakeholder Management Skills
This role requires excellent communication with various stakeholders. Think of instances where you've successfully built relationships with customers, subcontractors, or team members, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Methodologies
Brush up on structured project delivery methodologies like V-Model or stage-gate frameworks. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these methodologies in past projects and how they can benefit the organisation's goals.
