At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative aviation projects and manage complex engineering teams.
- Company: Join a leading organisation in defence and advanced engineering.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, private medical insurance, and professional development.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make an impact on next-gen aviation technologies and work with cutting-edge systems.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management within engineering or aviation sectors.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location: Bournemouth, Dorset
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time (37 hours per week)
Salary: £45,000 – £55,000 + Excellent Benefits
The Opportunity
Our client, a leading organisation operating within the defence and advanced engineering sector, is seeking an experienced Project Manager to join their growing Programmes team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering innovative projects focused on Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS), advanced aviation technologies, and mission-critical engineering solutions. Working across a portfolio of technically complex development projects, you will oversee the planning, coordination and successful delivery of new capability and service development initiatives. This role offers the chance to work with cutting‑edge technologies in a highly regulated environment, collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams, customers, and external suppliers to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time and within budget.
This position would suit an experienced Project Manager or Senior Project Manager with a strong technical background gained within aviation, aerospace, defence or a similar engineering environment. Candidates with significant engineering project experience outside of aviation will also be considered.
The Role
As Project Manager, you will take ownership of multiple concurrent projects from initiation through to delivery, ensuring effective planning, governance and stakeholder engagement throughout the project lifecycle. A significant element of the role involves coordinating external suppliers and managing supply chain activities, ensuring that equipment, services and technical deliverables are provided in line with project schedules and quality expectations. Working closely with engineering, operational and commercial teams, you will ensure projects meet technical, financial and operational objectives while maintaining compliance with industry standards and internal governance processes.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the delivery of multiple technical projects, ensuring scope, cost, schedule and quality objectives are achieved.
- Develop and maintain detailed project plans, schedules, resource forecasts and delivery milestones.
- Manage project budgets, costs and financial reporting throughout the project lifecycle.
- Coordinate cross‑functional engineering and technical teams to achieve project objectives.
- Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Manage supplier performance and support procurement and supply chain activities to ensure successful project delivery.
- Identify, assess and mitigate project risks, issues and dependencies.
- Manage project change control processes and ensure effective governance is maintained.
- Monitor project performance through KPIs, reporting and regular progress reviews.
- Prepare and present project updates to senior leadership and key stakeholders.
- Ensure all project documentation is maintained to a high standard.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives across project delivery and PMO processes.
- Contribute to the successful introduction of new products, services and operational capabilities.
About You
We’re looking for an organised, proactive and technically minded Project Manager who enjoys working in a fast‑paced engineering environment and is comfortable managing multiple stakeholders and suppliers. You will be confident leading complex technical projects while maintaining excellent communication across engineering teams, customers and external partners.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven experience delivering complex technical or engineering projects.
- Previous experience within aviation, aerospace, defence, engineering or advanced technology sectors.
- Strong project planning and scheduling experience.
- Experience managing multiple projects or work packages simultaneously.
- Demonstrable experience managing project budgets, risks, issues and change control.
- Experience working with external suppliers and managing supply chain activities within a project environment.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Ability to lead multidisciplinary project teams and influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Strong organisational and problem‑solving skills.
- Experience using Microsoft Project and Microsoft 365 applications.
- Experience producing project reporting, metrics and performance updates.
Desirable Experience
- Knowledge or experience of Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS/UAV).
- Experience working with airborne systems, mission systems or defence technologies.
- Engineering qualification (HNC/HND, Degree or equivalent).
- Formal Project Management qualification such as APM, PRINCE2, Agile or equivalent.
- Experience using Power BI for project reporting.
What’s on Offer
Our client offers the opportunity to work on genuinely innovative engineering programmes that contribute to the development of next‑generation aviation and defence capabilities. In addition to a competitive salary, you’ll benefit from an excellent package including:
- Competitive pension contribution
- Annual bonus scheme
- Private medical insurance
- Electric vehicle scheme
- Technology and wellbeing benefits
- Ongoing professional development and training
- Opportunities to work on cutting‑edge engineering and aviation projects
- A collaborative and supportive working environment
Project Manager – Aviation / Advanced Engineering in Bournemouth employer: DCS Recruitment
DCS Recruitment is an excellent employer for those looking to make a significant impact in the oil and gas, petrochemical, and energy sectors. With a strong emphasis on innovation and compliance, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture that fosters professional growth and development. Located in a vibrant area, the company offers unique opportunities to engage with cutting-edge projects while enjoying a supportive environment that values each team member's contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager – Aviation / Advanced Engineering in Bournemouth
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with DCS Recruitment for a Project Manager – Aviation / Advanced Engineering. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager – Aviation / Advanced Engineering in Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at DCS Recruitment, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At DCS Recruitment, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at DCS Recruitment
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with DCS Recruitment.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with DCS Recruitment. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like DCS Recruitment love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
