Principal Project Manager in Bristol

The successful candidate will be involved in the full project lifecycle from assisting with bids for new and continuing work to delivering existing long-term programmes of work. Specifically, the role involves the planning, monitoring and control of allocated projects. Key to this is ensuring that projects are controlled in line with the company’s Quality Management System (QMS) and project management procedures within the level of delegated authority. This role would suit a candidate who has previous engineering and current project management experience looking to move into a fast-moving company with a world-wide customer base. This role will be based in our Bristol offices with occasional travel to our clients’ sites as required; however, as part of our commitment to flexible working, employees are able to combine office work with remote working.

Reporting to the Head of Programmes, manage a portfolio of projects in accordance with the company procedures.

• Participation in the Bid Phase, either supporting the Business Unit Manager or leading bids post initial customer contact. Includes preparation of proposals, estimates and initial pricing.
• Preparation of all Project Start-up and Initiation Documentation, including: Project Briefs (Charter); Project Management Plans (PMP); project schedules; project budgets; and tracking registers.
• Management of Risk in accordance with company procedures.
• Tracking, monitoring progress and management of all allocated projects in terms of: Time, Cost and Quality.
• Preparation of project financial data including budget updates, estimates at completion and control of customer invoicing and profiling.
• Management of project resource demand and participation in Business Unit resource levelling through accurate representation of the project demand in the business forecasting system.
• Stakeholder communication and management (both internal and external to customers and suppliers).
• Management and control of any contract changes with the customer for all allocated projects, ensuring adherence to process.
• Early and clear reporting, raising and escalation of project issues, risks, and potential problems.
• Lead introduction of Best Practice project management aspects across the company and identify opportunities for improving processes and efficiency.
• Manage a team of Project Co-ordinators / Managers, as required, to ensure delivery of the required business and customer outcomes.

• Degree qualified in an engineering, science, technology, mathematics or related discipline.
• Recognised Project Management training and qualification - Desirable.

• Ability to lead teams in challenging technical environments.
• Able to work with a wide experience level from junior engineers to well-regarded technical consultants.
• Financially astute, able to create and manage project budgets, maintain profit margin and deliver returns.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Confident in prioritisation and managing concurrent workstreams.
• Ability to manage own workload and work to deadlines.
• Be a comfortable communicator at all levels, both written and verbal.
• A proactive and assertive nature with the motivation to succeed.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

• Significant experience within defence, aerospace or similar engineering environment.
• Experience of project management of engineering technical services provision, and/or full life cycle development programmes.
• Line management experience (of at least one other).
• Experience of UK/EU Export Control and Foreign Regulatory Frameworks (EAR/ITAR) – Desirable.
• Experience of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, such as EPICOR or SAP – Desirable.

£68 - 74k + bonus and flexible benefits.