At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-value defence projects and ensure timely, budget-friendly delivery.
- Company: Join James Fisher, a global leader in engineering services with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy early finishes on Fridays, competitive salary, and comprehensive benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and offers clear pathways for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Proven project management experience in defence maritime projects and relevant qualifications required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
This is an excellent opportunity for a Project Manager ready to step up and lead high‑value, strategically important defence projects. As part of JFD's Tactical Delivery Vehicle Team, you will take full ownership of international programme delivery, P&L performance and high‑quality execution through the PMO, operating within a secure and specialised defence environment. You will bring proven experience delivering defence maritime projects, including build‑to‑print, lean manufacturing, in‑service support and global execution. A strong understanding of UK and international defence contracting, commercial sensitivity and security considerations is essential, along with sound business acumen, negotiation skills and a recognised Project Management qualification. Success in this role requires an adaptable, collaborative leader with excellent communication skills and a track record of managing complex customer relationships. The successful candidate should hold an engineering degree within a naval context or equivalent industry experience and be willing to travel globally on an ad-hoc basis as part of this exciting position. Candidates should hold, or be able to obtain, SC‑level security clearance.
What you'll be doing:
- Lead a strategically important international project within JFD's global Defence portfolio.
- Deliver the project on time, within budget, and to the full satisfaction of the customer.
- Monitor, compile, and submit project reports to customers and internal management, in line with PMO processes.
- Ensure all health, safety, environmental, sustainability, and security objectives are met throughout the project lifecycle.
- Develop detailed project plans to guide customers and internal stakeholders on progress, status, and any variances.
- Identify, monitor, mitigate, and report project risks to internal management.
- Ensure full compliance with JFD's Global Project Execution Process (GPEP) and associated governance procedures.
- Assign and manage tasks across vendors, engineering teams, production, and support functions.
What we're looking for:
- Proven project management experience across defence maritime projects, build‑to‑print/lean initiatives, in‑service support and international delivery.
- Strong understanding of UK and international defence contracting, including security requirements and commercially sensitive work.
- Demonstrates solid business acumen with effective negotiation skills.
- Knowledge of maritime, defence, and international quality and safety standards.
- Established track record in managing complex customer relationships and driving collaborative stakeholder engagement.
- Adaptive leader with strong communication skills, a safety‑focused approach, and a commitment to delivery.
- Willingness and ability to travel globally; full, clean driving licence.
- Project Management Qualification, APM, Prince2.
Why join us?
- Early finish on Fridays
- Competitive salary and benefits package aligned with experience (Private Medical Insurance, Life Assurance, Cycle to work scheme, Company Pension, etc.)
- Clear pathways for career development and organisational visibility
- Inclusive and supportive culture that values individual contributions
- Meaningful work with impact across safety, innovation, and global operations
Project Manager Senior in Paisley employer: James Fisher and Sons
James Fisher Defence offers an exceptional work environment for Project Managers in Inchinnan, Glasgow, with a strong focus on career development and a supportive culture that values individual contributions. Employees benefit from a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including private medical insurance and a cycle-to-work scheme, while engaging in meaningful projects that have a global impact on safety and innovation. The company's commitment to inclusivity and diversity, along with clear pathways for advancement, makes it an attractive employer for those seeking to make a difference in the defence sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager Senior in Paisley
✨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 a Project Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK and international defence contracting. Be ready to discuss your experience with maritime projects and how you've navigated complex customer relationships in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your adaptability! During interviews, share examples of how you've successfully led teams through challenges in high-pressure environments. This will demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to deliver results.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at James Fisher Defence.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager Senior in Paisley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Manager role. Highlight your experience in defence maritime projects and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your project management success and how you’ve navigated complex customer relationships.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since communication is key in this role, make sure your application reflects your ability to convey ideas clearly. Whether it's in your CV or cover letter, we want to see that you can engage effectively with stakeholders.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We receive a lot of applications, and sometimes they close early. Head over to our website and get your application in as soon as you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at James Fisher and Sons
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the defence maritime projects you've worked on. Be ready to discuss specific examples of your experience with build-to-print and lean manufacturing, as well as how you've managed complex customer relationships.
✨Brush Up on Defence Contracting
Familiarise yourself with UK and international defence contracting regulations and security requirements. This knowledge will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and safety, which is crucial for this role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you adapt to different team dynamics. Highlight instances where you've successfully led teams through challenges, ensuring project delivery on time and within budget while maintaining high-quality standards.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don't shy away from asking questions that show your interest in the company's culture and future projects. Inquire about their approach to innovation in defence solutions or how they support career development for project managers.
