MERITUS are 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. SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER - Up to £80,000 per annum - UNDERWATER/SUBSEA SYSTEMS - SC CLEARED - YATELEY, HAMPSHIRE - PERMANENT - SECTOR: DEFENCE / SUBSEA MERITUS are working with a specialist defence technology organisation at the forefront of next-generation underwater capability development. Operating across highly complex defence programmes, they deliver advanced integrated solutions supporting autonomous and increasingly automated underwater platforms for global defence customers. They 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 In line with customer and regulatory expectationsYou 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)
