Project Manager

NATS is the UK’s leading air navigation service provider, handling over 2.4 million flights each year. We provide air traffic control services from two control centres and at airports around the UK. We also provide a wide range of commercial products and solutions internationally. Our people are at the heart of our purpose to advance aviation and keep the skies safe.

Purpose of the Job

To effectively lead the delivery of projects, project tasks and/or supporting business activities on behalf of the Project Delivery Division as per the Project Brief and tasks managed by the relevant Programme Manager or a delegated Senior Project Manager. The Project Manager role falls under the Project Delivery Practice and will be line‑managed by a relevant Programme Manager.

Principal Accountabilities

• Plan, budget, report, execute and deliver allocated projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget and to the required specification.
• Manage virtual teams via matrix management.
• Accountable for following the appropriate governance for the projects within their scope, working within the regulatory framework of a licensed critical national infrastructure organisation.
• Support Project Delivery Practice management tasks when required (e.g., Project Managers Working Group).
• Demonstrate the appropriate NATS Behaviours.
• Maintain a high level of individual expertise and credibility through continuing professional development.
• Ensure the appropriate Operational Safety and Health & Safety activities have been undertaken on their project(s).

Job Scope

• Deliver all project activities to the customer in accordance with all relevant areas of the NATS Management System, NATS Project Management processes and meet the requirements of all appropriate regulations, including the Safety Management System, Environmental and Health & Safety legislation such as CDM.
• Provide necessary supporting information through effective estimation and positive challenge to support each project business case, and support the production of corresponding project plans, financial budgets and resource requirements.
• Develop and maintain work breakdown structures, budget management, reporting and robust risk identification, management and mitigation actions.
• Support the negotiation and contract let of all suppliers’ contracts associated with their project(s) working with personnel from other NATS departments such as Commercial, Supply Chain and Legal, and manage the project deliverables from the supplier regarding time, cost and quality.
• Manage and lead Work Package Managers to deliver agreed milestones, ensuring clarity of roles, responsibilities, behaviours and standards across all areas.
• Effectively communicate formally and informally to promote understanding and engagement from project teams.
• Negotiate with local management teams, project teams and external suppliers to ensure effective coordination and planning of resources for the supply of services, goods and work packages.
• Provide clear management to project teams, ensuring effective decision making at all levels.
• Act as the key interface for your project(s) with all stakeholders at appropriate levels.

Experience, Qualification & Skills

• A Project Management qualification (APM PMQ/APMP or equivalent) is essential.
• A relevant degree is desirable.
• Experience in a management role, preferably in Project and Programme management, is essential.
• Proven track record of delivery and integration of projects or changes is essential.
• Proven track record of building commercial relationships with customers and suppliers is desirable.
• Understanding of the commercial aspects of contract management is essential.
• Interpersonal skills and judgment for dealing with both internal and external stakeholders to develop strong working relationships is essential.
• The ability to adapt a project to deliver its long and short‑term goals is essential.

We have adopted agile working to provide greater flexibility and increased choice over working arrangements, with the opportunity for this role to work in our modern office facilities as well as remotely. We also welcome discussions on flexible and part‑time working arrangements. If you share our passion to advance aviation and keep the skies safe – we would like to hear from you regardless of your age, sex, race, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or disability. Individuals that bring different perspectives, skills, life experiences and backgrounds help us remain at the forefront of our industry.