At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex defence projects from concept to delivery, ensuring quality and timeliness.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge defence technology organisation at the forefront of underwater capabilities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £80,000 and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Must possess existing SC clearance; dynamic environment with excellent career prospects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in global defence with advanced technologies and innovative solutions.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in delivering complex defence programmes and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 £ per year.
Senior Project Manager - Up to £80,000 per annum - UNDERWATER/SUBSEA SYSTEMS - SC CLEARED - YATELEY, HAMPSHIRE - PERMANENT - SECTOR: DEFENCE / SUBSEA
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.
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 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)
SC-Cleared Senior Project Manager - Subsea Defence in Yateley employer: Yolk Recruitment Ltd
Join a leading defence technology organisation in Yateley, Hampshire, where you will be at the forefront of next-generation underwater capability development. As a Senior Project Manager, you will benefit from a collaborative work culture that prioritises innovation and excellence, alongside opportunities for professional growth through mentorship and exposure to cutting-edge technologies. With competitive remuneration and a commitment to delivering mission-critical solutions, this role offers a meaningful career path in a dynamic and supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SC-Cleared Senior Project Manager - Subsea Defence in Yateley
✨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 resources to help you ace your application and connect with top employers in the defence sector.
We think you need these skills to ace SC-Cleared Senior Project Manager - Subsea Defence in Yateley
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 underwater or subsea systems expertise. 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 how your project management experience aligns with our needs. Keep it engaging and professional!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage projects on time and within budget. We love numbers, so if you can quantify your successes, even better!
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. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Yolk Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your SC Clearance
Make sure you understand the importance of your existing SC clearance. Be ready to discuss how it relates to the role and any previous experiences where it played a crucial part in your project management.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare specific examples of complex defence or engineering programmes you've managed. Highlight your experience with full lifecycle delivery, budget management, and stakeholder communication to demonstrate your fit for the role.
✨Understand the Defence Sector
Brush up on current trends and technologies in the defence sector, especially related to underwater systems. This will show your genuine interest and help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your risk management and problem-solving skills. Think of past challenges you've faced in project management and how you overcame them, as this will showcase your leadership abilities.
