At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex defence projects from concept to delivery, ensuring quality and budget compliance.
- Company: Join a leading engineering and technology organisation in the defence sector.
- Benefits: Permanent role with opportunities for career growth and occasional travel.
- Other info: Active UK Security Clearance (SC) is essential for this role.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence engineering while working with multidisciplinary teams.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or Project Management; experience in complex project delivery required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Hampshire
Contract Type: Permanent
Security Clearance Requirement: Must hold an active UK Security Clearance (SC) to be considered.
We are supporting a leading engineering and technology organisation delivering advanced capability solutions within the defence and underwater systems domain. We 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.
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.
- 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.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven experience delivering complex engineering or defence projects.
- 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.
Desirable Experience
- 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.
- PRINCE2, APM PMQ, PMP, or equivalent project management qualification.
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.
- Active UK Security Clearance (SC) is essential.
INDENG DCS Recruitment and all associated companies are committed to creating a working environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone is treated fairly, regardless of gender, gender identity, disability, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital or transgender status, age, or nationality.
Please contact Coral at DCS to apply.
Senior Defence Project Leader – Hampshire (SC) employer: DCS Recruitment Limited
Join a leading engineering and technology organisation in Hampshire, where you will have the opportunity to lead complex defence projects that make a real impact. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and continuous improvement, while our commitment to employee development ensures you can grow your skills and advance your career. With a focus on diversity and inclusion, we create an environment where every team member is valued and empowered to succeed.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Defence Project Leader – Hampshire (SC)
✨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. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience in delivering complex engineering projects clearly and confidently. Highlight your leadership skills and how you've successfully managed teams and budgets.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Defence Project Leader – Hampshire (SC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in delivering complex engineering and defence projects. Use keywords from the job description to show that you’re a perfect fit for the role.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; provide examples of how you've successfully managed project budgets, schedules, and stakeholder relationships. This will help us see your practical experience in action.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your key achievements stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates about the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at DCS Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you can discuss your previous projects in detail. Be ready to explain how you led complex engineering or defence projects, focusing on your role in managing budgets, schedules, and stakeholder relationships.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Risk Management
Since risk management is crucial for this role, brush up on your experience with formal risk assessments. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've identified and mitigated risks in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This position requires strong leadership across multidisciplinary teams. Think of examples where you've successfully led teams, coached members, or promoted collaborative working practices, and be ready to share these stories.
✨Understand the Defence Sector
Make sure you have a good grasp of the defence and underwater systems domain. Research current trends and challenges in the industry, and be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with the needs of the organisation.
