Senior Project Manager
Inside IR35 | Stakeholder Management | Engineering (Software or IT) | Government/Public Sector
3 days per week on-site near Crawley (NON NEGOTIABLE)
£550 - 595 per day inside IR35 (NON NEGOTIABLE)
We are seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to lead the delivery of high-value, complex projects-often exceeding £5M-involving the development, manufacturing, installation, and handover of electronic, electro-mechanical, and software-based systems. This role is critical in ensuring successful end-to-end project delivery with a strong focus on senior stakeholder management, particularly within government and public sector environments.
You will be responsible for managing all phases of project delivery, including scope definition, planning, execution, and close-out. A key part of the role will involve creating and maintaining comprehensive documentation and project artefacts that support the formal handover of solutions back to the client or customer service teams. You will act as the key liaison for customers and senior stakeholders, ensuring alignment between technical delivery and strategic objectives.
You will also mentor project teams, manage risk, ensure commercial viability, and play a pivotal role in continuous improvement efforts across project delivery practices.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the full lifecycle of projects involving system design, hardware and software integration, installation, testing, and final handover.
* Serve as the primary interface for senior stakeholders, including government departments, regulatory bodies, and client-side programme leads.
* Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation, including project plans, technical specifications, risk logs, financial records, and handover documentation to ensure readiness for operational transition.
* Ensure projects are delivered in alignment with contractual, technical, and quality standards, as well as within approved budgets and timelines.
* Lead and motivate cross-functional teams including engineering, software, subcontractors, procurement, and customer support personnel.
* Coordinate internal resources and third parties/vendors for seamless execution of projects.
* Oversee project governance including financial tracking, reporting, and internal reviews.
* Manage change control processes, including the identification, negotiation, and implementation of project variations.
* Support strategic initiatives by recommending and implementing improvements to project alignment, delivery frameworks, and commercial practices.
* Represent the organisation in high-level meetings and contribute to business development, proposal responses, and client presentations.
* Uphold compliance with company policies, safety standards, security protocols, and governance frameworks.
Qualifications & Requirements
Essential:
* BSc Degree or equivalent in Engineering, IT, or a technical discipline.
* Extensive experience in full lifecycle project management.
* Strong stakeholder engagement skills with demonstrated ability to influence senior executives and government stakeholders.
* Excellent documentation and reporting skills, with experience producing materials suitable for client audit and operational handover.
* Proven success in leading cross-disciplinary teams in complex system delivery.
* Experience with Project Management tools (MS Project, Excel, PowerPoint).
* Strong commercial acumen and contract negotiation experience.
Desirable:
* Master's degree or equivalent in a technical or business-related discipline.
* Professional project management certification (eg PMP, PRINCE2, APM).
* Experience managing Smartcard systems, cloud-based solutions, or regulated infrastructure (eg PCI DSS).
* Prior exposure to government or public sector project environments.
Personal Qualities
* Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to tailor information to diverse audiences, including senior public officials.
* Strong multitasking capabilities and calmness under pressure.
* Self-driven, able to work independently and take ownership of delivery.
* Willingness to travel to customer sites and project locations as required.