Project Manager in Wakefield

Innovators of machinery for special project application. Group Rhodes is looking for a Project Manager to join our expanding team.

Location: Wakefield

Department: Projects/Procurement

Hours of Work: 37 hours a week, 8am to 4.30pm, Monday to Thursday, with half an hour on Friday (8am to 1pm)

Benefits:

• 33 days holiday per annum
• Additional birthday holiday
• Close proximity to the train station
• Life Assurance x 4 annual salary
• Access to Perkbox gaining monthly flexi points and discounts at major high street shops

Main Function & Scope of Job: The purpose of the role is to manage and coordinate delivery of a major capital equipment project for a UK aerospace customer, supporting to drive the project through final design close‑out, procurement and manufacture completion, machine build, Factory Acceptance Test, installation and commissioning.

Main Duties Include but are not Limited to:

• Manage day‑to‑day delivery of a complex capital equipment project, maintaining control of scope, programme, cost, risk, quality and customer communication through to final handover.
• Support programme recovery activity by maintaining project plans, monitoring milestone performance, identifying critical path risks and escalating mitigation actions through the appropriate leadership channels.
• Coordinate final design close‑out with engineering teams, ensuring drawings, specifications, technical reviews and change control are managed accurately and issued to the correct revision.
• Manage completion of procurement and manufacture activities, working closely with Purchasing, suppliers and internal stakeholders to support on‑time delivery of long‑lead and critical components.
• Coordinate the machine build phase across mechanical structures, electrical systems, controls, hydraulics and ancillary equipment to maintain build progress and readiness for test.
• Manage customer and site interfaces for enabling works, including civils dependencies, ensuring key activities and project constraints are visible and controlled.
• Plan and coordinate Factory Acceptance Test readiness, installation sequencing and commissioning activities in collaboration with internal teams and project leadership.
• Produce accurate project forecasts, cost analysis, cash flow updates, invoice claims and stage payment applications, while supporting the commercial performance of the project.
• Provide clear and timely project reporting to the Programme Manager, Directors and customer stakeholders, escalating issues early and supporting effective decision‑making.
• Maintain robust project records, subcontractor coordination, quality documentation and stakeholder communication throughout the project lifecycle, including travel to customer and supplier sites where required.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience:

• Qualifications:
• Good standard of education (E)
• PRINCE2, APM, APMP or similar project management qualification (D)
• Engineering qualification, ideally in mechanical, electrical or manufacturing engineering, level 3/4/5/6 or equivalent (D)
• Skills & Knowledge:
• Excellent communication skills with an approachable attitude (E)
• Strong organisational and planning skills (E)
• Demonstrate resilience and the ability to adapt to delivery challenges (E)
• Ability to create and manage detailed project schedules and coordinate mitigation actions (E)
• Ability to produce high‑quality project status reporting for senior stakeholders and customers (E)
• Knowledge of Microsoft Project or equivalent planning tools (E)
• Commercial awareness, including forecasting, cost control, cash flow and subcontractor management (E)
• Technical appreciation of mechanical engineering, electrical systems, controls and hydraulics (D)
• Knowledge of ERP systems (D)
• Knowledge of NEC3 or NEC4 contracts (D)
• Experience:
• Proven project management experience in capital equipment, machinery build or complex engineered systems delivery (E)
• Working to challenging delivery deadlines and supporting programme recovery activity (E)
• Experience of delivering presentations and project reviews to customers and senior stakeholders (E)
• Experience of machinery build and multidisciplinary systems integration (D)
• Experience of managing installation and commissioning projects (D)
• Experience of managing internal and subcontract resources across multiple workstreams (E)
• Experience of working in a heavy engineering, manufacturing or industrial equipment environment (D)
• Character:
• Collaboration: Self‑motivated/enthusiastic with the ability to solve problems as they arise. Ability to work using own initiative and under pressure – ask for help when required. Ensure your highest quality is always achieved when undertaking tasks. Share ideas and knowledge for continuous improvement.
• Fairness: Promote, embrace and manage change. Promote honesty and integrity within the business.
• Respect: Contribute to a happy working environment. Be able to work as part of a small team. Be respectful to all colleagues ensuring an inclusive and welcoming environment is maintained.