Project Manager
Department: Defence
Location: Colchester
A leading UK-based engineering and manufacturing organisation is seeking an experienced Project Manager to join its division.
The business designs, tests, certifies, and manufactures advanced manufacturing solutions for a wide range of industrial and life-critical applications.
The Role
This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and results-driven Project Manager to play a key role in delivering complex, strategically important UK Defence contracts. The role sits within a dedicated and high-performing team focused on ensuring on-time, right-first-time project delivery.
You will be accountable for the end-to-end execution of projects, including supporting bids for new opportunities. Success in this role will require close collaboration with a multifunctional organisation, strong customer and supplier engagement, and a proven ability to manage delivery against cost, quality, and schedule.
The ideal candidate will be an enthusiastic self-starter, a strong team player, and a confident communicator with the drive to deliver positive change. Regular travel within the UK will be required.
Key Responsibilities
Act as the primary point of contact for key customers, building and maintaining strong, effective working relationships
Lead commercial and technical discussions with customers and internal stakeholders
Review, interpret, and manage complex contracts, statements of work, and commercial agreements
Ensure projects comply with contractual obligations, regulatory requirements, and internal governance
Align project execution with contract requirements and business objectives
Define project scope, goals, deliverables, and success criteria in collaboration with senior stakeholders
Develop and maintain detailed project plans, budgets, resource schedules, risk registers, and change logs
Apply appropriate project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, or Hybrid) based on project context
Lead cross-functional teams, manage dependencies, and resolve issues and conflicts
Proactively manage risks, escalations, and strategic challenges
Provide clear, accurate project status reporting to senior management and executive stakeholders
Drive project reviews, post-implementation assessments, and lessons-learned activities
Mentor and support junior Project Managers
Make decisions with financial, legal, and strategic impactThis role may evolve in line with business needs, market conditions, and project requirements.
Essential Experience & Qualifications
Proven experience working within the Defence industry
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or a related discipline (Master's degree preferred)
Minimum of 7 years' project management experience, including at least 3 years in a senior role
Demonstrable experience managing large, complex, multi-million-pound projects
Strong track record of managing external customers, suppliers, and vendor contracts
Experience working closely with legal and procurement teams on commercial agreements
Project Management certification (PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent)
Willingness to travel regularly across the UK