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 capability.
- 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 innovative underwater technologies.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in delivering complex engineering programmes and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 £ per year.
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)
Senior Project Manager in Yateley employer: Yolk Recruitment Ltd
Join a pioneering defence technology organisation in Yateley, Hampshire, where you will lead high-value subsea defence projects that are critical to national security. With a strong emphasis on employee development and a collaborative work culture, this company offers competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and the chance to work with cutting-edge technologies alongside industry leaders. As a Senior Project Manager, you will not only drive project success but also have opportunities for professional growth and mentorship within a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Manager 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 your existing SC clearance in conversations and during interviews, as it's a must-have for this role. It sets you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application directly, ensuring it gets into the right hands quickly. Plus, you'll be one step closer to landing that Senior Project Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Manager 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 qualifications. 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, especially your experience with V-Model delivery environments and stakeholder management. We love a good story that connects your past experiences to our needs.
Showcase Your SC Clearance:Since SC clearance is a must-have for this position, make sure to mention it prominently in your application. We need to know you meet this requirement right off the bat, so don’t be shy about it!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it’s super easy!
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 enables you to work on sensitive defence projects and why it's crucial for this role.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed complex defence or engineering programmes. Highlight your full lifecycle project delivery experience and how you navigated challenges.
✨Understand the V-Model Delivery Environment
Brush up on the V-Model delivery process, as it's essential for this position. Be prepared to explain how you've applied this methodology in previous roles and how it can benefit the projects you'll be managing.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your strong stakeholder management skills by discussing how you've built relationships with technical and commercial functions in the past. Share examples of how you’ve effectively communicated project statuses and managed expectations.
