Defence Project Manager

Take the lead on delivering complex defence projects that help shape critical national capabilities.

Our Client has a requirement for a Project Manager, who will be required to work on a contract basis in Bristol/Hybrid.

Role Purpose:

• Support the successful delivery of complex programmes and projects within a highly regulated environment.
• Provide project management expertise throughout the full project lifecycle.
• Ensure projects are delivered in line with agreed objectives, governance requirements, and organisational standards.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders to achieve successful project outcomes.
• Manage competing priorities while operating with a high degree of autonomy.

Job Role Responsibilities:

• Deliver projects in accordance with organisational policies, procedures, and governance requirements.
• Support the development, review, and assurance of business cases and supporting documentation.
• Manage the timely and cost-effective delivery of projects, ensuring objectives are achieved within agreed constraints.
• Develop and maintain project plans, schedules, reporting mechanisms, and performance metrics.
• Monitor project progress and implement appropriate controls to ensure successful delivery.
• Identify and manage project risks, issues, assumptions, and dependencies.
• Implement remedial and mitigation actions where required, ensuring compliance with relevant safety, environmental, and management standards.
• Support the selection and application of appropriate project delivery strategies and commercial approaches.
• Coordinate support from technical, engineering, commercial, financial, and project controls functions.
• Maintain accurate project documentation, records, and audit trails.
• Capture lessons learned and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and support to colleagues where appropriate.

Experience / Skills / Knowledge / Qualifications:

• Proven track record of successfully delivering projects within the defence sector.
• Strong project management experience, with the ability to deliver against time, cost, and quality objectives.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgement within a complex stakeholder environment.
• Experience developing and maintaining effective stakeholder relationships.
• Strong understanding of P3M (Portfolio, Programme and Project Management) methodologies, tools, and best practices.
• Excellent risk, issue, and dependency management skills.
• Strong communication, leadership, and influencing skills.
• Experience coaching and mentoring colleagues.
• Eligible and willing to obtain UK Security Clearance, including meeting residency requirements.
• Degree qualified (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (desirable).
• APM PFQ or PMQ qualification (desirable).
• PRINCE2 Practitioner and/or Agile Practitioner certification (desirable).
• MSP Practitioner qualification (desirable).
• Knowledge of the UK Defence sector and experience working within regulated environments.

Company Information
At First Recruitment Group we understand just how important it is to secure the right people. That is why our Recruitment Consultants always take the time to understand requirements in detail and offer sound advice to both clients and candidates. We actively recruit at all levels and this is a superb opportunity for Project Managers looking for new employment.
As part of putting people first, we strive to be an equal opportunities employer and we are always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce, working closely with our clients to ensure everyone is included.