Senior Project Director in Paisley

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

About Us:

James Fisher is a global engineering services company operating across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport. With a strong heritage in maritime operations, we now deliver innovative solutions in challenging environments. Our One James Fisher strategy is focused on building a unified, sustainable business within the Blue Economy, driving progress through technology, expertise, and collaboration.

James Fisher Defence (JFD), part of the James Fisher Group, is a global leader in underwater capability, delivering cutting-edge diving, submarine rescue, and hyperbaric solutions to both commercial and defence markets. Operating worldwide, JFD is the foremost provider of submarine rescue services and a trusted name in submarine escape training. We're also at the forefront of hyperbaric rescue innovation and a leading supplier of advanced diving equipment and saturation systems across the industry.

If this sounds like the ideal next step in your career, then click apply now! Due to the volume of applications, we receive for our vacancies, on occasion applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. James Fisher and Sons are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications for candidates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success depends on our talented and diverse workforce.