At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead project management activities across cutting-edge technical centres in the UK.
- Company: Join MBDA, a leading defence organisation committed to supporting our Armed Forces.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company bonus, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of diversity and inclusion with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence while developing your leadership skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management, strong communication skills, and a drive for excellence.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 68000 £ per year.
A unique opportunity has arisen for a Senior Project Manager to lead all Project Management activities across MBDA’s Technical Centres of Excellence (UK).
Salary: Circa £68,000 depending on experience
Dynamic (hybrid) working: 3 days per week on-site due to workload classification
Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.
What we can offer you:
- Company Bonus: Bonus of up to 21% of base salary
- Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
- Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements
- Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave - enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments
- Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more…
- Healthcare Cash Plan: The Healthcare Cash Plan benefit provides the option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses such as optical, dental, health and wellbeing and more.
The opportunity:
Due to continued growth within the business an opportunity has arisen to lead all Project Management activities across the Technical Centres of Excellence (Software, Algorithms, Navigation Sensors and Complex Warhead) within the UK. Working collaboratively with the Business & Project Management Executive and area Vice President / Head Of to develop the Project Management strategy before executing through a dedicated team of project managers. Managing and delivering on time, on cost and on quality a portfolio of programmes and projects, varying in size and complexity across the UK Technical Centre’s of Excellence (CofEX’s). Creating and deploying a project management model to work collaboratively with and complement the Technical (engineering) delivery model. Establishing and reporting the programme portfolio to the business to facilitate effective, timely decision making. Managing and balancing the programme portfolio risk and opportunities and ensuring mitigation and realisation plans are integrated into the applicable programmes and projects. Ensuring all customers are satisfied and all stakeholders are effectively managed. Understand all future demand (work load) and ensure the CofEX’s plan accordingly. Provide business, commercial and programme excellency to new business. Manage and develop a team of project managers. Continuously establish and support improvement initiatives and integrate into day-to-day operations.
What we're looking for from you:
- Project / Programme Management experience – ideally gained in an engineering, matrix organisation.
- Strong risk management skills and experience.
- Sound business judgement including an appreciation of complex problems and how to solve them.
- Strong communication and motivational skills.
- Ability to embrace new challenges and deal with a level of ambiguity.
- Experience of leading projects from a business perspective, including cost and schedule adherence and schedule risk assessments.
- Bidding & estimating experience.
- Negotiating and influencing skills, with the ability to establish and maintain relationships and work collaboratively across various levels and with internal and external collaborators.
- Drive and motivation in leading project teams to strive for excellence in the face of adversity.
- Engage, share standard methodology and find opportunities for innovation.
Our company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given. MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom. We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more… We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process. Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.
Principal Project Manager in Stevenage employer: MBDA
MBDA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic hybrid working environment and a competitive salary package that includes a generous bonus scheme and pension contributions. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we provide enhanced parental leave, flexible working arrangements, and comprehensive healthcare benefits, all within a culture that values diversity and supports personal growth through various employee-led networks. Join us in our mission to support the Armed Forces while enjoying fantastic site facilities and opportunities for professional development in a collaborative and innovative atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Project Manager in Stevenage
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Principal Project Manager at MBDA!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like MBDA or be willing to refer you for that Principal Project Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from MBDA who’s on the lookout for their next Principal Project Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Principal Project Manager role at MBDA!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Project Manager in Stevenage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at MBDA. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at MBDA. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!