Senior Project Management Officer 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

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.