Project Manager (Defence / Engineering)

JMB93 - Project Manager (Defence / Engineering Programmes)

Location: North London

Salary: Dependent on experience

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Overview
First Military Recruitment are currently seeking a Project Manager on behalf of one of our clients.

The successful candidate will manage customer-funded and internal development and production programmes within a specialist defence engineering environment.

You will take ownership of projects from initial planning and bid preparation through to delivery and closure, managing budgets, schedules, resources, risks and customer relationships. Working closely with departments across the business, you will ensure programmes are delivered to agreed contractual requirements and timescales.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage the planning and delivery of engineering projects and programmes from conception through to completion.
• Lead project bids, including cost estimates, scheduling and management approvals.
• Manage project budgets, expenditure, forecasts and financial reporting.
• Monitor progress against agreed schedules and take corrective action where required.
• Identify, assess and manage project risks.
• Act as the main point of contact for customers and internal stakeholders.
• Coordinate Engineering, Operations, Procurement, Commercial and subcontractor activities.
• Manage contractual obligations, equipment testing, delivery and installation arrangements.
• Provide regular project updates and financial reports to senior management.
• Support governance, export compliance and continuous improvement activities.

Skills and Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' practical experience within a Project Management environment.
• Experience managing engineering or technical development projects.
• Strong understanding of project management processes, scheduling and risk management.
• Experience managing budgets, forecasts and project expenditure.
• Excellent communication, presentation and report-writing skills.
• Commercial awareness and strong customer management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Project.
• HND or degree in Project Management or a relevant discipline, or equivalent experience.

Desirable:

• APM qualification.
• Experience managing software development projects.
• Knowledge of military, naval or defence contracts and processes.
• Understanding of lifecycle management and contractual requirements.

Why Join?

• Take ownership of important defence and engineering programmes.
• Play a key role in delivering specialist products and customer-funded development projects.
• Work closely with experienced teams across Engineering, Operations and Commercial functions.
• Gain exposure to major bids, customer relationships and international projects.
• Develop your programme management experience within a specialist defence environment.