At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex defence projects from concept to delivery, ensuring quality and budget compliance.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge defence technology organisation at the forefront of underwater capability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £80,000, permanent position with career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Must possess existing SC clearance to apply.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in global defence while working with advanced technologies.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in delivering complex defence programmes and strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 £ per year.
Up to £80,000 per annum – UNDERWATER/SUBSEA SYSTEMS – SC CLEARED – Yateley, Hampshire – PERMANENT – SECTOR: DEFENCE / SUBSEA
MERITUS is recruiting for a Senior Project Manager to join our client in the next 6 weeks in a permanent position to support subsea defence programmes. PLEASE NOTE: YOU MUST POSSESS EXISTING SC CLEARANCE TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS ROLE. If you do not have active SC Clearance, you will be rejected for the position.
MERITUS is working with a specialist defence technology organisation at the forefront of next-generation underwater capability development. Operating across highly complex defence programmes, we deliver advanced integrated solutions supporting autonomous and increasingly automated underwater platforms for global defence customers.
We are now seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to lead high-value defence projects through the full lifecycle – from concept and requirements definition through to delivery, acceptance and customer handover. This is an opportunity to work directly with cutting‑edge defence technologies and industry‑leading technical partners, helping deliver mission‑critical capability into operational environments.
The Role
As Senior Project Manager, you will take ownership of complex defence equipment and capability delivery programmes, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, to contractual and technical quality standards, and in line with customer and regulatory expectations. You will work closely with internal engineering teams, subcontractors, defence customers and senior stakeholders to drive successful programme execution across multiple concurrent workstreams.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and manage detailed project plans, milestones and delivery schedules
- Monitor programme performance and implement corrective action where required
- Manage project budgets, forecasting and commercial performance
- Identify, assess and mitigate programme risks using formal risk management processes
- Coordinate subcontractors and external SME delivery against contractual commitments
- Lead project governance reviews, status reporting and stakeholder communication
- Manage contract change requests, amendments and variations
- Support bid and proposal activity including planning, costing and resource forecasting
- Build strong long‑term customer relationships across defence stakeholders
- Mentor project teams and promote project‑management best practice across the business
What We’re Looking For
Essential Experience
- Proven experience delivering complex defence or engineering programmes
- Strong full lifecycle project delivery experience (concept through delivery)
- Experience operating within V‑Model delivery environments
- Strong understanding of gated project governance / stage‑gate delivery
- Budget ownership, forecasting and commercial oversight experience
- Strong stakeholder management across technical and commercial functions
- Experience managing third‑party suppliers / subcontractors
- Strong risk and issue management capability
- Excellent communication and leadership skills
Desirable
- Previous underwater, maritime, sonar, subsea, autonomy or naval systems experience
- Experience supporting defence bids / capture activity
- Business case development experience
- Formal PM qualification (PRINCE2, APM PMQ, PMP)
Senior Project Manager in Hampshire employer: Meritus
At MERITUS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the defence sector. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous professional development opportunities and mentorship programmes, ensuring that our team members thrive while working on cutting-edge underwater technologies in Yateley, Hampshire. Join us to be part of a mission-driven organisation where your contributions directly impact global defence capabilities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Manager in Hampshire
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence sector, especially those who have experience with underwater systems. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your project management skills and understanding of the V-Model delivery environment. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed complex projects in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your SC clearance! Make sure to highlight this in conversations and during interviews, as it's a key requirement for the role. It sets you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Manager in Hampshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Project Manager role. Highlight your experience in delivering complex defence programmes 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. Mention your SC clearance and any specific experience with underwater or subsea systems that makes you stand out.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Senior Project Manager, leadership is key. In your application, give examples of how you've successfully led teams and managed stakeholders in previous projects. We love to see strong communication and management skills!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Meritus
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of underwater and subsea systems. Familiarise yourself with the latest technologies and trends in defence. This will not only help you answer technical questions but also show your genuine interest in the field.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss specific projects you've managed, especially those that align with the role's requirements. Highlight your experience with full lifecycle project delivery and any relevant V-Model environments. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Senior Project Manager, you'll need to lead teams effectively. Be ready to share examples of how you've motivated teams, resolved conflicts, and communicated with stakeholders. Emphasise your ability to build strong relationships and mentor others.
✨Prepare for Risk Management Questions
Given the importance of risk management in this role, think about how you've identified and mitigated risks in past projects. Be prepared to discuss your approach to managing third-party suppliers and how you've handled unexpected challenges.
