Job Description
Project Manager | UK Defence Sector
Huddersfield | Hybrid | Perm | Full-time | 37.5 hours per week (Monday-Friday)
Ideal for Mechanical Engineering or Manufacturing experience backgrounds.
Shape Complex Defence Projects from Start to Finish
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Project Manager to join our UK Defence business, taking ownership of the successful delivery of complex, long-duration projects. This is a pivotal role where you will lead from the front-ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in full alignment with contractual and technical requirements.
You will operate at the heart of the business, collaborating across multiple functions and engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, both internally and externally. If you thrive in a structured yet fast-paced environment and enjoy managing complexity, this role offers both challenge and reward.
What You'll Be Responsible For
As Project Manager, you will act as the Project Owner, with full accountability for execution and delivery. Your responsibilities will span the entire project lifecycle:
Project Leadership & Execution
* Lead the delivery of one or more complex projects, ensuring alignment to scope, schedule, and budget
* Drive performance against established product, project, and contract baselines
* Maintain clear ownership and accountability for outcomes
Contract & Deliverables Management
* Ensure all contractual obligations and deliverables are achieved
* Monitor progress against milestones and proactively address any deviations
Planning & Governance
* Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and execute robust Project Management Plans
* Ensure governance frameworks and controls are adhered to throughout delivery
Stakeholder Engagement
* Serve as the primary point of contact for stakeholders
* Tailor communication based on stakeholder needs, influence, and expectations
* Build trust through transparency, clarity, and consistency
Risk & Opportunity Management
* Identify, assess, and manage risks and opportunities at project level
* Implement mitigation strategies and capitalise on opportunities where possible
Change Control
* Lead structured change management processes
* Ensure all changes are captured, assessed, and controlled effectively
Financial Oversight
* Manage forecasting and ensure achievement of cash milestone payments
* Partner with Finance to track and report project financial performance
Issue Resolution
* Proactively identify and resolve issues
* Minimise impact to project scope, schedule, and cost
Performance Monitoring & Reporting
* Track project performance, including dependencies, assumptions, and critical path
* Produce clear, data-driven reports for senior leadership and external stakeholders
Relationship Building
* Foster strong, collaborative relationships across project teams and stakeholder groups
* Promote a positive, solution-focused team culture
What You Bring
We're looking for someone who combines technical understanding with strong leadership and organisational capability.
Experience & Knowledge:
Proven experience in Project Management (formal qualification desirable)
Background in Mechanical Engineering or Manufacturing environments preferred
Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Project)
SAP knowledge advantageous, but not essential
Core Competencies:
* Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills
* Strong organisational ability with excellent time management
* Confidence in managing multiple priorities simultaneously
* Resilience and adaptability in a challenging, fast-paced environment
* Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving capability
Leadership Qualities:
* Integrity and accountability
* Collaborative approach with the ability to influence and guide others
* Skilled in conflict resolution and decision-making
* Emotionally intelligent, with the ability to adapt communication styles
Why Join?
You'll be joining a globally recognised engineering organisation with a rich heritage spanning nearly 300 years, delivering high-performance mechanical power transmission solutions across defence, marine, industrial, and energy sectors.
With 24 locations worldwide and over 1,200 employees, we combine deep engineering expertise with global manufacturing capability-supporting some of the most demanding and mission-critical applications.
This is your opportunity to:
Work on impactful, high-value defence projects
Collaborate with experienced professionals across multiple disciplines
Grow your career in a structured and supportive environment
Be part of a business with a strong legacy and forward-looking innovation
Important Information
Due to the sensitive nature of the work within the defence sector:
* Employment is subject to security and export control restrictions
* Factors such as nationality and place of birth may affect eligibility
* Candidates must have the right to work in the UK
* Successful applicants must be able to obtain the required security clearance
If you're ready to take ownership of complex projects and make a tangible impact within the defence sector, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today or reach out for a confidential discussion.