Project Manager

We are building the UK's next generation engineering powerhouse, providing critical technology that strengthens national security and resilience. We specialise in turning advances in sensing, AI, and communications into operational capability at the edge, where connectivity may be degraded or denied. Our work focuses on accelerating the deployment of technology, improving decision making for frontline teams, and protecting people and critical assets in demanding environments.

Join Rowden's Forward Deployed Team and work where the action is. You’ll collaborate directly with customers on-site, tackling their most complex technology challenges. From diagnosing critical issues to deploying innovative solutions, you’ll be at the forefront of solving real‑world problems that matter. If you’re hands‑on, thrive in fast‑paced environments, and want to see the impact of your work up close – this is the team for you.

What's in it for you

• Impact and Purpose: Your work makes a difference – directly supporting defence, national security, and frontline operators.
• Professional Growth: Experience faster learning, deeper technical challenges, and exposure to real‑world constraints that sharpen your skills.
• Team Expansion: Be part of a growing team that’s delivering results and scaling up.

The role:

As Project Manager you will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of new capabilities and supporting the management of in‑service projects. The role ensures seamless project execution and efficient day‑to‑day operational processes that align with business goals, including logistics and communicating progress. Reporting to the Project Lead, you will work within a hybrid team of contractors and military personnel to deliver complex projects for operational end users. This is a rewarding role that offers valuable learning opportunities and exposure to diverse challenges. This role is based on site 4 days per week with our customer in Herefordshire. Candidates must be willing to obtain a UKNSV security clearance, with SC clearance being essential.

Key areas of responsibility

• Oversee the end‑to‑end lifecycle of new and in‑service projects, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with contractual milestones.
• Develop and manage schedules, budgets, and resource plans whilst adapting to changing requirements and operational needs.
• Coordinate with military departments and contractors to ensure smooth execution and minimal service interruptions, while mitigating risks to maintain stability and mission readiness.
• Serve as a point of contact for stakeholders, including military personnel, IT teams, and leadership, to provide updates and address concerns.
• Prepare and deliver regular project status reports, briefings, and documentation, ensuring stakeholders are informed of progress and any issues.
• Facilitate meetings with stakeholders to gather requirements, confirm project scope, and secure necessary approvals.
• Ensure all project activities adhere to JSP regulations, DLOD considerations, and IT best practices.
• Implement quality control measures to meet standards, conduct post‑project evaluations, and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) to maintain operational consistency and reliability.
• Manage and allocate resources effectively, balancing workload across project teams to optimise productivity.
• Identify opportunities for process optimisation and implement industry best practices to enhance the efficiency of in‑service support operations.
• Gather and analyse performance data, utilising feedback to refine project processes and improve service delivery.
• Identify potential risks and develop migration plans.
• Proactively address project issues to minimise impact on timelines and deliverables.

Key skills, experience and behaviours

• Relevant Project Management qualifications (APM/Agile/Prince2)
• Comfortable working autonomously to deliver projects.
• Tenacious attitude to problem solving.
• Pragmatic approach to project management to align with the complex military environment and altering priorities.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to explain complex projects.

Key Attributes:

• Mission‑first mindset – You prioritise the mission and our customers' needs, always focused on delivering the best possible outcomes for the users of the systems.
• Problem solver: You thrive on tackling complex challenges, leveraging creativity and logic to navigate uncertainty and deliver practical solutions.
• Collaboration: You are an effective and collaborative team player, fostering strong relationships and teamwork.
• Adaptability and flexibility: You excel in managing time and juggling multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment, remaining resilient and effective amid uncertainty.
• Attention to detail: You have strong attention to detail, ensuring precision and excellence across all tasks.

Working at Rowden

We are committed to building a flexible, inclusive, and enabling company. Our aim is to create a diverse team of talented people with unique skills, experience, and backgrounds, so please apply and come as you are! We also recognise the importance of flexible working and support this wherever we can. We typically operate a flexible, hybrid‑working model, with an average 3 days in the office each week (dependent on the role). We welcome the opportunity to discuss flexibility, part‑time working requirements and/or workplace adjustments with all our applicants. Rowden is a Disability Confident Committed company, and we actively encourage people with disabilities and health conditions to apply for our roles. Please let us know your requirements early on so that we can make sure you have everything you need up front to help make the recruitment process and experience as easy as possible. Finally, if you feel that you don't meet all the criteria included above but have transferable skills and relevant experience, we'd still love to hear from you!